Give kindness a chance


Spirit of Malaysia: Good friends (from left) Aimi Nurjannah Ahmad Fadilah, 10; N. Bhagawathy, 11; and Ong Chui Juang, 10; chatting by a Jalur Gemilang hung up at their school, Sekolah Kebangsaan Sultan Abdullah. — Bernama

THERE is a certain degree of apprehension, even uneasiness, this year as we celebrate National Day. Race relations in this country isn’t anything to be proud of, what with manufactured fears fuelled by groups with political interests.

There is a deliberate attempt to instil the perception that the Malay race and Islam are being challenged.

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Wong Chun Wai

Wong Chun Wai

Wong Chun Wai began his career as a journalist in Penang, and has served The Star for over 35 years in various capacities and roles. He is now group editorial and corporate affairs adviser to the group, after having served as group managing director/chief executive officer. On The Beat made its debut on Feb 23 1997 and Chun Wai has penned the column weekly without a break, except for the occasional press holiday when the paper was not published. In May 2011, a compilation of selected articles of On The Beat was published as a book and launched in conjunction with his 50th birthday. Chun Wai also comments on current issues in The Star.

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