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Although I enjoy reading articles about clinical practice in other countries, it was a bit distressing to hear the author gush about Malaysia as a "progressive Islamic state" which offers a "rich multiracial and multicultural experience" (see "An SLP in Malaysia"). Let us please keep things in perspective. Ms. Kosta is correct that Malaysia's new Prime Minister, Mr. Badawi, appears to be a huge improvement over Mahathir Mohammed (an outspoken anti-Semite who urged Muslims of the world to attack Jews and Israel). However, this hardly entails that Malaysia has become an overnight multicultural paradise. For instance, the author overlooks Malaysia's rather atrocious human rights record, including official persecution of religious minorities (such as is presently occurring with the "Sky Kingdom" group that has had the audacity to suggest making peace with Christians and Jews). There have also been forced expulsions of huge numbers of people. In short, it is important not to let one's positive travel experiences override an appreciation of the deeper social, political, and religious problems facing a country.
William Katz
Dallas, TX
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