Kuala Lampur, Aug. 28 -- Nation-building obviously involves the participation of Malaysians, many of whom are ordinary people from diverse backgrounds.

They include people who run the government machinery, keep the streets clean, build roads, teach our young, treat the sick, care for the homeless, preserve the environment, catch thieves, protect our national borders and advocate justice.

From time to time, we also get glimpses of Malaysians who have gone out of their way to help people in distress, misfortune and misery, irrespective of their backgrounds. In other words, the Good Samaritans who are Malaysian at heart.

Many of these deeds tug at our heartstrings simply because they are an expression of humanity, compassion and empathy. ...