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Salient. Victoria University Student Newspaper. Volume 38, Number 20. August 8 1975

Polite Argument

Polite Argument

Dear Sir,

It is good to note the attempt of Ruby Pigeon to present inter alia an explicit and coherent "thesis" on the Malaysian problem. I desire not to engage specifically in verbal altercation, nor to monopolise your precious letter page at the expense of someone else. No sir, the desire is more to maintaining a policy of laissez-faire and let others continue discussions in length on the unavoidable Malaysian issues confronting us here in NZ and in Malaysia, and hopefully by this modus operandi to uncover the fallacy and the pitfalls of many conclusions and beliefs that we may otherwise incubate.

In particular I wish to stress that so often the Si no-Malaysians have been deluded by their emotion ties to China and the constant barrage of communist eulogy and ideology, plus of course, myriad other reasons that they begin to be indoctrinated to the point into believing that communism is always the ideal answer to our country's problems. Further-more the voluminous criticisms of Malaysia and Singapore by NZUSA and Salient and others are made on the basis of western values and ipsofacto not entirely valid nor relevant. However that is not to say that the 'western academic approach' as aptly described by Ruby Pigeon, to problems is necessarily wrong. It would be a fully altogether to say we have nothing to learn from the advanced westerners. Indeed they have much to offer.

Without transgressing Ruby Pigeon, I wish to say that first of all that his comments and arguments have been based on a [unclear: misunderstand] ding of my views. It is erroneous to allege that I have defined the 'racial' problem as the only problem. Nay, it is only one of many. Secondly, if he wishes to be realistic, he would have to admit that a ceteris paribus (sic) reasoning is most unrealistic. Thirdly, the words like justice and equality are cliches to avoid. I have no wish to delve into the philosophical discussion of such semantics, but it would suffice to say that an egalitarian and entirely just society is only an ideal. As George Orwell wrote - "All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others." Fourthly and lastly, I s. s. h. shudder at Ruby Pigeon's advocation of a social revolution at this stage. Surely it is evident that no political events of great significance will be allowed to proceed without external interference these days. The bloody consequences of interference by powers like America in Vietnam, Chile, and Indonesia have indicated that no matter whether a particular political accomodation is objectively the best for a certain country you cannot prevent the 'righteous' interference of such a big brother. Besides I do not think the fervently anti-communist Indonesia and Malaysian Malays would entertain kindly the idea of a red Malaysia.

I believe I have said enough. I think Ruby Pigeon will auger well to see that the raison d'etre of this letter page is to enable me to reason and debate on any topic without resorting to acrimonious remarks. I hope none have been made here.

To end, my radical friend, as well as you, my politically biased editor, I say Bonjour

X...you-know-what