COMMENT | Former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad, you’ve once again reminded us that Malays must unite under a “big umbrella.” That they are weak, their future hangs on the hinges of political protection and communal shelter.

It’s a familiar script, one you’ve authored for decades. But Mahathir, respectfully, times have changed and so have the people.

Let me tell you a different story. A real one. It didn’t happen in a marble-floored ministry office or at a political rally. It took place in a regular schoolyard during recess.

Two girls - one Malay-Muslim, another Tamil-Hindu - sat side by side. One packet of nasi lemak between them, unwrapped and shared.

They ate with their fingers, through mouthfuls of rice and sambal. There were no speeches, no policies, no slogans. Just...