In a prefabricated building at the edge of the jungle, some 100 young Malaysians are discussing their failings. They talk about the need to show greater respect for the common good, to take more interest in the future of the nation and to build ties between Malaysia's three biggest races: Malays, Chinese and Indians. In fact, they are already doing so, by participating in the country's new National Service pro-gramme-a sort of state-run, civic-minded summer camp designed to force Malaysian teenagers of all races to mix. But when the formal discussion ends, and the participants drift off to lunch, the integration also stops. Malays, Chinese and Indians all split up into separate groups, to follow their respective dietary restrictions, speak their different languages and mingle with their own kind.
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