Dyana – you may have lost this by-election, but you have won the hearts of many Malaysians.

Despite the ugly ways and attempts that were made to shame or demonise you, we are pleased you did not sink to the level of those who were shameless in their behaviour.

We know you are ethnically Malay, but throughout this campaign, it was clear you are first a Malaysian and stand for all Malaysians.

So we seldom think or see you as a Malay, but more as our fellow sister and a Malaysian. It is vital that all of us move away from any form of ethnic politics, ethnic decision making, ethnic criteria in selection as this just divides us further.

We are delighted with your stand of inclusiveness. We want to assure you that you did not lose but won many hearts.

Do not lose heart.

We are all fighting for the true One Malaysia, where our ethnic differences are celebrated and appreciated, where our religious difference are respected and protected, where we no longer have to classify ourselves by our ethnicity but by our identity as Malaysians.

We long, like you, for the day when Malaysians from all walks of life will fight for their fellow man, regardless of their skin colour, beliefs or position. Thank you for doing so.

Your brother & sister
Amar-Singh HSS
Lim Swee Im

* The views expressed in this opinion are the personal views of the columnist and this article first appeared in The Malaysian Insider