Yes, it could be a lesson for us only if the various races are willing to replicate what the latter day immigrants and the minority groups in America are willing to do, ie become Americans adhering to the American way adopting its customs, language and way of life. What it means is that the latter day immigrants are willing to forgo their own dispositions to assimilate into the American way of life.

This American way is based on the Anglo-Saxon customs and norms that were brought by the original immigrants, the Pilgrim Fathers as well as the continental Europeans with their Anglo-Saxon way of life.

Malaysia is obviously very different from America. Its formation is based on an understanding of give and take where the minority immigrants were given citizenship status by the majority group under the Jus Soli principle just before we gained our independence.

In exchange the minority groups recognise the special rights of the original inhabitants of the country just as their rights are also recognised.

Thus each of the minority nationalities like the Chinese and the Indians continue with their own practices and customs and there was as such no melting pot as in America.

Rejal Arbee
Shah Alam