During the second Malaysian Student Leaders Summit, the Merdeka Centre released a poll report, revealing that the three major races in Malaysia – Chinese, Malays and Indians did not trust in each other:

• Only 39% of Chinese trusted in Malays, and 38% of Malays trusted in Chinese.
• Only 29% of Chinese trusted in Indians, and 35% of Indians trusted in Chinese.
• 57% of Indians trusted in Malays, and 55% Malays trusted in Indians.
• 39% of Chinese and 46% of Indians considered themselves as second-class citizens.
• 83% of Malays trusted in Malays, 75% of Indians trusted in Indians and only 57% of Chinese trusted in Chinese.
• 78% of Chinese believed that local politicians should be blamed for segregating the people by playing racial politics. In other words, politicians who play around with racial issues should bear the greatest responsibility. Meanwhile, the survey's conclusion stated that the mistrust remained prevalent is likely because of Malaysians' views of each other's religion, ethnicity and culture were confused.

The survey was done two years ago. The outcome was alarming, but not surprising. I believe that the results would be very likely the same if a similar survey is carried out today.

Most importantly, the figures have revealed a fact, as well as a warning. What should we do? Just ignore it? Or seriously take it and do something to improve it?

Mutual distrust is always the root cause for confidence crises. In fact, Malaysians today are not only distrust in each other but we are also facing a very serious confidence crisis. Two other researches done by the Merdeka Center have reflected a trend. Firstly, a survey showed that only 6% of respondents believed the sodomy accusation against Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim while 60% believed that the accusation had political intentions. Secondly, another survey showed that the Prime Minister's popularity has dropped from 91% last year to the current 42%. While up to 54% respondents were dissatisfied with the Prime Minister's performance. (By LIM MUN FAH/ Translated by SOONG PHUI JEE/ Sin Chew Daily)