I would like to pen my thoughts on the recent ' keling ' issue which has received some degree of attention in the local media.

Contrary to what is being claimed by the experts of the Malay language, the word does seem to be a racial slur - particulary in the present day context. Even the Kamus Dewan defines the word as having a meaning that is not so polite.

What is more shocking is that the Kamus goes on to define the various other variations of the root word. Namely, the phrases: ' keling mabuk todi ', ' keling karam ' and ' keling pelikat' are very derogatory to say the least.

Quite frankly, I have not heard of these words being used but imagine what it could do to our young who browse the dictionary and stumble upon these unsavory phrases. This will surely not help the ongoing efforts of infusing racial harmony.

Whilst it may be true that the word originated from the term 'Kalinga', which was a great civilisation located in present day India, the contemporary usage of the word has definitely taken a new twist and could easily qualify as a racial slur.

My belief is that if a community objects to being called a certain name because it is deemed racially derogatory, then as good neighbours we should refrain from using those less polite terms.

Our youngsters at school already have a long list of 'names' to call their peers (judging from what my son tells me), let us not give them any more.