The fact that Wright didn't have his passport with him was definitely the reason for his maltreatment, not racism. There are many countries around the world which require you to have your passport with you at all times (though some let you get around this by carrying a photocopy of your picture page and the page your entry stamp is on). Not being able to identify yourself when being checked will make you suspicious.

Racism was, however, the reason he got checked in the first place. Malaysia has had some issues recently with illegal immigration from Africa, so anyone who is black is more likely to be checked, no matter what their nationality is.

So, as always, the truth is not black and white (no pun intended). It was the Malaysian immigration department's fault for treating any black person with suspicion - but it was Wright's fault for leaving his proof of legal immigration status (i.e. his passport) in his hotel.

And one more thing on the police state bit - foreigners in the US are not in any better position, since they are also required to have proof of their legal immigration status with them.

Lesson learned: keep your documents with you.