Message to Obama

I can't believe myself, when I suddenly have the urge to write a short message to President Obama. I don't know how much it will help, but this is the least i can do, back here in Malaysia. If anyone, feels the same, and thinks this could be a way of solution, then pls, send something to him. Here's what I wrote:-

Dear Sir,

I'm just a young and environmentally concerned Malaysian wanting to ask you for a small favour, all the way from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

You've been a world figure ever since you've been elected as the President. You have the power to make changes. Honestly, I was inspired by you and your actions. That was what moved me to write this to you. You have been the inspiration to a lot of people around the world. You made everyone believe that change can happen if we want it. Therefore, I am pretty sure that you would inspire other leaders to make changes as well. You are the ONLY HOPE for a change across the world. Here, I would like to personally ask you for a favour - to attend COP15 in Copenhagen and get all the leaders of developed countries to agree on reducing the carbon emission and financing the developing countries.

You lived in Indonesia when you were young, and I’m sure you know very well how a major natural disaster makes people suffer. You have said before that you would want to “leave this world better than when you came in”. Thus, I hope deep down in my heart, that your presence at COP15 is for REAL, and really get the leaders to take ACTIONS. This world doesn’t belong to your generation or those before you and it also doesn’t belong to my generation. This world belongs to the future generations. So, I hope that you can make changes that we all believe in.

I don’t know how serious will you take my request because I’m a nobody, but I’m going to give a shot. Just like how you championed, “Change, yes we can!”. Thank you for taking your time to read this. I’ll be hoping for good news from you.

For Mother Earth,

Chai Ming Lau

Malaysia

USM fiasco - fair or unfair?

Lately, our first APEX university, USM made a big mistake in putting up a list of 8173 on their website as successful while it was supposed to be only 3599. What happens to the other 4574 who were mistakenly posted as successful?

Well, at first glance, everyone would point finger on USM for the blunder. Everyone would felt the future of these 4574 students would be in danger. Everyone are asking the government to do something and make sure all these 4574 students will be given places without jeopardising the eligible candidates. This is what should be done to be fair to the 4574 students.

I have a different opinion though. I'm trying to view this matter in a logical and fair perspective based on the limited knowledge of what really happened. I can only comment from my point of view as i didn't know 100% what exactly happened.

First, USM had rectify the mistake the next day. So, does that one day period really affected the 4574 students? Some claimed that they had rejected offers from overseas uni. I think that's bullshit. Based on my experience, after I checked online, I didn't decide immediately (this may not be the case for some people, i know). Just like last time, i had offers from Auckland U and UM. UM offer came later than Auckland U within few days. However, i decided to take up UM before the dateline for both offers. I didn't decide immediately after both offers came. It took me about a week to really decide which to choose.

My point is, these 4574 students, should have double confirmed the offer by calling, or wait for the official offer letter. Nothing is official until the letter arrives. This is also what overseas Uni are doing. They will send an official offer letter.

The next thing, when we apply to uni, usually we make application to all channels, and all avaiable uni. If our results fulfil minium requirement, we are only eligible (but not accepted yet!). So, dun tell me, if someone's results is at minimum, expects to get a place, with only one application to one Uni. Bullshit!. (If the results is damn good, then its exceptional la. But if results are good, ur already have high chance of getting a place dy). Chinese are very kiasu, so usually they will apply everywhere. But if ur not qualify, ur not qualify!. So this blunder case, its almost similar to u were rejected by that Uni. Just that u thought u got to USM. But UPU results also haven't come out yet. So what's the big fuss? Why not wait til the UPU results comes out, and then see what happens. If still doesnt get a place, there's still appeal.

Lets turn the case around. If the upload was correct, only 3599 were listed, then what happens? Conclusion, ur still not qualified. So, should these 4574 ppl be given special previlege and MUST be given a place in Uni? It sounds like other uni are forced to open up some place to accept these 4574 students for the sake of being fair to them. But does that fair to the 60 000++ students who apply to UPU but not USM? USM should be responsible for the mistake, yes. But that doesn't mean all these 4574 ppl would be ASSURED a place in other uni. Government, should then provide some counselling to these ppl instead.

Some ppl think everything must be fair. But in reality, nothing is 100% fair. If its 100% fair, you and I are equal in every aspect. God made us different from each other. So u wanna blame God for being unfair coz He made u and me different? I hope Malaysians really open up their mind and think logically. I worry the worse for Malaysia. If our mindset are so locked up, will our country develop further? Ask not what the country can do for you, ask what you can do for the country. We want everything thing to be given to us, claiming its' our right. But the question is, do u deserve the right at the first place? This is something we should ponder on. If you wanna complain so much, then why dun u step out and take charge. And let's see how good u r then...

1Malaysia: Dream or Reality?

1 Malaysia...that's the new goal of our nation, led by our Prime. Sometimes i find it weird. The more i read bout 1 Malaysia, the more i think. Can this be a reality? or will it remain as a dream that we'll never achieve?

Think positive. This is the first thing we had to change. Malaysian always think negative. But on the other side, i think this reality will remain half a dream. Why? Because malaysian leaders still wants to save their ownselves first. Most of the racial issues were brought up by the them. During ceramah with only one race, they will say "Kita harus bangkit!" and etc. But that is well known. So if 1 malaysia to be succesful, they hav to stop this shout.

To further prove that 1 malaysia is still just a dream, is that in all forms, still exists the word Race. If 1 Malaysia is to be achieved, then race should be erased from all forms, specially government forms. Why? Cause 1 malaysia means we all are from 1 type of ppl; Malaysian. I find it weird to call myself Chinese...cause that would mean i'm from China. If i were to say i'm malaysian chinese, then i'm a 50-50 person. So how can we achieve 1 malaysia? Another reason to erase the Race from forms is to promote meritocracy. Since we are heading to become 1 malaysia, then we should compete as equal and fair. No more special rights. No more quota. Just merit. Who is good, is good. No doubt about it. Look at Penanti's by-election. Every newspaper, would publish the statistics on how many percentage are what race. Is that really necessary? We vote for ppl who can lead us, not by race. So why statistics have to be by race? Why not based on working class? or maybe social status? so that the whole malaysia will know how's the economic situation in that area.

Younger generations like mine, have not much problem with racial issues now. We accept each other as we are. But of course, there are some still feels that their race is more important. For us, we only felt unfair when government pratices double standards on different colours. Like scholarships, SLAB and SLAI. why is there a SLAB only for bumiputera? N SLAI is open to all including bumiputera. This means that for non bumi hav to compete among themselves and among bumi as well. Either they abolish SLAB or combine both so as all will compete as equal.

Well, how many out there sees 1 malaysia as a reality that will happen, or a dream that will always be a dream? I dreamt of Malaysia as a non racial country (rather than multiracial country) because any one race is good enough to represent the whole malaysian community. But do other race have faith in the person who leads? Who says non bumis can't be prime minister? When Barack Obama became President, Muslims felt that is a new beginning. But will Muslims accepts non Muslims as their leader? Why i relate Muslims in this text, simply because Malaysia has practise wrong concept. Must all malays be Muslims? Not necessary. Malay is a race, Muslim is a religion. Two different things. Just like Chinese not necessary will be Buddhist. Nor all Indians are Hindus. Can all these man made concept and rules be relaxed and changed so that 1 malaysia really happens?

Removal of 30% Bumiputra Equity

Thumbs up for the bold move done by our newly appointed PM, Datuk Seri Najib. However, the big question mark is: Political move or benefit for the people? Lets view things on a positive side. Malaysian have a typical mindset - complaint. When the government make some good decisions, people will complain that this is just for political gain. But when they made a bad decision, people will complain the government is lousy. Why don't these people step out and take over the job for a day then?

To me personally, I would view this on the positive side. Why? Simply because I believe that this move is the beginning of a new Malaysia. Give it a chance. This is a big step. Removing something that is an advantage to certain group of people is not an easy decision. All these while, the bumiputras (or rather just Malays), are gaining on this advantage. Now, the bumiputras have been doing very well in Malaysia's economy. Now is the time, for the bumiputras to show that they can also challenge the so-claimed "Chinese are good businessmen". There are some very successful bumiputra businessmen, such as Celcom, MAS CEO. So no complaints.

With this healthy competition in 27 service sub-sectors, it would be an advantage for Malaysia to move a gear faster. Malaysia had been 'idle' for the past 51 years when countries such as Thailand, Vietnam and Singapore had slowly overtaken Malaysia. Now, with the economic down turn, this would be the high time and best option to make this move. The higher the competition, the more the economy market will run.

On the other hand, I personally hope that any one sub-sector will not be dominated by one race, especially Chinese. It is impossible to say that there's no one good from other race. I'm very sure, that every race has people who are tip top in certain field. Now that the government have lifted the bumiputra equity, it is time for the people in this sector to prove that they are not biased as well. If they still practice one race domination, then it shows that the problem lies in the mindset of Malaysians.

Let us all take a good look in the outcome of this move. Better economy and better racial integration or the other way round? Those in the subsectors, please practise healthy competition, and share the wealth together as one Malaysian.

Death of BM or death of Science n Maths?

As i was goin back to PD, i managed to catch a glimpse of what i call 'idiotic' protest. The protest, or better called as 'death procession' because of the fake coffin being carried while marching. I find this protest was a waste of time...and a mark of death for the future of science and mathematics in Malaysia.

Massive protestors near KTM Kuala Lumpur

While catching a glimpse of the march, i was one of the innocent victims got hit by tear gas. The wind was blowing hard, and carry the smoke of tear gas right to the place i was waiting for bus. I thought something hit my eyes...but when i saw alot of ppl rubbing their eyes, i knew it was tear gas.

Look at the smoke of the tear gas shot...

More smoke around the area...

I even managed to catch a glimpse of fire engine spraying water to disperse the crowd but it seemed unsuccessful. These ppl are stubborn. The funny thing is if they are protesting against using English in teaching Science and Maths, why are they shouting "God Almighty"? What does that have to do with BM? From that moment i knew that this was politically moved. Why are these politician so selfish and never think for the future of our students?
I find these protestors mostly are non-scientists. In scientific field, peer-review is very important in research. Almost all the journals reviewed are in English. This is very important to justify the research. If Malaysians can't master these subjects in Eng, how are we goin to compete with scientists of other countries? How are these journals being accepted into international standard when Malaysians are only competent in BM? We want our uni to be on par with other uni around the world, bt if our journals are not being reviewed by others,we will never achieve that. Besides, there are scientific terms that are not avaialble in BM, for example evolution and centrifugation. Not only tat, most of the scientific books are written in English. even Darwin's evolution theory was written in English. If they want BM as the medium, can these books be translated into BM but still maintains the same meaning and explaination? But most importantly, can they translate fast enough or it will take years to do so?

FRU truck loaded with FRU personnels

FRU personnels coming out to stop the crowd

For the sake of the future of our students, in the scientific field, English has to be used as the medium. I strongly urge, those who supports the use of English, to stand up and speak out loud...in more intellectual manner, not like these street demos. Most of them are well educated, but act like monkeys!

BM vs Hudud

Lately, GAPENA are making a big fuss over the use of English in Science and Maths. They claim that our National Language will be wiped out. They even claim they would carry out a coffin demonstration to mark the death of national language. Personally, this is nonsense. The use of English in Science and Maths did help to enhance the knowledge in these fields. I was the guinea pig of the transition of BM to Eng. I find it was very useful. I was quickly adapted although at that time, my major language was BM. I speak fluent BM than English. But i still find that using English in Science and Maths useful.

However, they should carry out the demo...because BM is almost dead. Why? because they have BMized English. Here are a few words that have been BMized:- Diskusi, ensiklopedia, biodiversiti, kabinet, objektif, lokasi, generasi. There are more words that they have to BMized, especially scientific terms. There are also words that can not be translated. Example: sessile, sedimentation, degenerated, backpacking, to name a few. I have read some scientific books, translated to BM, but doesn't really carry the same meaning in English. Other than that, explanation in BM would be longer. Example: Each = masing-masing, depth = kedalaman and so on. Besides that, some of the speaking culture will kill the language. Usage of 'you' and 'I' in BM. Example: 'I' suka 'you' punya 'style' lah (I like your style).

The point is, usage of English in Science and Maths will not kill the language. Instead its the habit and culture of speaking the 'wrong' national language. BM is a very easy language to learn, compared to English. Thus, GAPENA should focus on tackling other factors. English is important in science, especially in publishing scientific research. English have been long established as international language making all the research papers needed to be published in English. Even Japanese publish their papers in English. And Japanese are very particular in their national language. Besides that, a lot of references are in English, and DBP are very slow in translating, it will cause a lot of major problems. Japanese are very good in translating. If there's a new book available, they can translate them to Japanese within days. But in Malaysia, it will take weeks and months to do so. So how are we gonna challenge and keep up the pace in scientific world?

Then came Hudud law. A lot of view have been expressed. Non muslims are worried of the use of Hudud on them. But that's not the point. I would view this from human rights perspective. Hudud law would use different punishment on different crimes. Example, to amputate one's arm for stealing. God gave us perfect limbs. It is our right to have them. The common law punishes with jailing. Still allow us to have our limbs. But hudud will take away that. Which means, taking away a chance for a human to change. Every human have the right to keep their limbs regardless what they do with it. If the objective is to stop crime, then there are other ways. Crime begins when a society have very big economical gap. So to stop crime, reduce the gap! Hudud will not stop crime.

Besides, wouldn't it be a double standard, when Hudud is only applied to only muslim? At the same time, Hudud can't be used on non-muslim. PAS are fighting for this. This is contradicting. PAS are fighting to stop double standards, but suggesting to implement something that will create double standard. In a rape case for example. If a non muslim commit a rape crime, they will be jailed. But if muslim commit the same crime, they will be stone to death. So, is it a fair and just law then?

Dilema - siapa aku?

Aku muncul di dunia ini, seorang cina. Itu takdir, kita tak dapat lawan. Namun ku bangga. Bukan kerana ku cina, tapi ku anak Malaysia. Melayu, Cina, India, Asli...tetap manusia. Darahku merah seperti yang lain. Tapi kerana aku cina, aku terpaksa akur. Aku tak boleh cabar ketuanan Melayu, kerana itu hak mereka. Adil ke? Mengapa aku tak boleh bersaing secara adil? Pemimpin kata, Ketuanan Melayu merujuk kepada Raja-raja Melayu. Aku terima. Tapi, pentingkah untuk membezakan kaum? Adakah Cina lebih hebat? Tidak, kerana aku tetap hamba Tuhan. Makhluk ciptaan Tuhan yang tidak seberapa. Mengapa mesti aku kenal apa itu kaum? Betapa indahnya dunia ini jika aku dilahirkan tanpa kaum. Kebolehan yang ku ada, ku pelajari daripada guru-guru Melayu, Cina, India. Bukannya kerana aku ini Cina. Jadi, mengapa mesti ada ketuanan Melayu? kenapa bukan ketuanan individu.

Aku dibesarkan di kawasan Melayu. Abgku Muslim. Ku suka makanan India. Tapi aku tidak dilahirkan di China. Aku lebih fasih Bahasa Melayu daripada Bahasa Cina. Mataku tak sepet seperti orang cina tulen. Rambutku sedikit kerinting seperti orang Melayu. Hidung ku mancung seperti India. Cuma kulitku cerah, itupun tak secerah Cina tulen. Jadi, aku ini apa? Cina bukan, Melayu bukan, India pun bukan. Siapa aku? Ku dalam dilemma.

Aku mengerti, kalau tak pentingkan kaum, budaya ibunda akan hilang. Asimilasi berlaku, seperti di Indonesia. Tapi itu bukan seruanku. Aku cuma menyeru, supaya jangan pandang aku sebagai cina. Tapi sebagai anak Malaysia yang sama sepertimu. Berapa ramai yang berani? Ceritaku ini pun mungkin berisiko akan ditahan bawah ISA. Bila ku menghentam Cina kerana terlalu pentingkan kaum, aku dipandang hina kaumku sendiri. Bila ku hentam kaum lain, ku dituduh menghasut. Jadi, apa yang ku boleh buat? Ku dalam dilemma.

Kau Melayu, dia India, aku Cina. Itu pentingkah? Hanya kerana warna kulitku berbeza. Apa keuntungan yang akan kita dapat kalau terlalu pentingkan kaum? Atau sebenarnya, masing-masing pentingkan diri? Yang Melayu takut hilang hak istimewa, kerana takut hilang kesenangan yang diberi kerajaan. Yang Cina takut ditindas, kerana takut tak dapat menjadi lebih kaya. Yang India takut ditindas, kerana bilangan mereka kurang. Yang bumiputra lain, lagi kesian. Adakah ini semata-mata untuk kepentingan diri? Ku dalam dilemma.

Adakah ini Malaysia yang kita inginkan? Kau Melayu, dia India, aku Cina. Itukah Malaysia? Dulu ku bermain dengan Melayu dan India. Tak pernah aku fikir mereka berbeza. Boleh berkongsi makan, minum, peluh. Dulu, sama-sama membuli, sama-sama dibuli. Kini, saling membuli. Itukah Malaysia? Itukah Malaysia yang kita inginkan? Ku dalam dilemma. Mengapa hidup dalam keadaan risau kaum sendiri ditindas? Mengapa tidak hidup dalam keadaan gembira saling membantu sesama kaum? Kau tentukanlah...

Oceanarium in Mabul - is it worth it?

I was shock to read the news in The Star few days ago, that there was a plan to build an oceanarium in Pulau Mabul. I personally feel that this idea is not just stupid but its worthless. The money use to build this oceanarium could have been used for a long term conservation. It was reported that a Japanese company would join venture to build so-called 'eco-friendly' building concept. Although the Japanese are very good with these eco-friendly projects, this is nothing but a project that will fail the environment.

It is also reported that the EIA have not been obtained, but this is not the point. Being an graduate in Ecology and Biodversity, and also a SCUBA diver, I know that the EIA report will not be able to stop these culprits from getting this project done. This is because, from my experience, after the original EIA report have been done, these culprits will alter and change the report accordingly before handing it to the authorities. Some of the suggestions in EIA report will not be followed but will be changed to suit their projects.

As a person who have personal interest in coral reef system, I find that building an oceanarium will not create more income in tourism. Foreign tourists came to Malaysia to see the originality and natural environment. If this oceanarium is being built, we will be wasting millions of ringgit. Some would be wasted on building the oceanarium, some would be losses due to the drop of tourists because more corals are being destroyed. Only a fool would believe, that corals can still be preserved while this project is on going. Corals are slow growing organisms, it took billions of years to reach such massive system. Moreover, Malaysia lies in the coral triangle, and Sabah being in the centre of the triangle. Coral triangle is where the highest coral diversity in the world is found. How can a country, with such high diversity, allow such projects to be approved? It shouldn't be in the plan at all! I have dived in Lahad Datu, somewhere near Sipadan island, and the corals there are already amazing. What more in Mabul and Sipadan?

I understand that development is important. We cant run away from it. However, development is necessary when it helps to reduce the burden of people. But this project, doesn't seem to make any difference in people's lifestyle. Infact it will disrupt the income of those who are depending on corals in Mabul. Some fishermen have already been doing damage to corals with illegal fishing, fish bombing, muro ami and etc. Now, with such a big project, the whole reef system in Mabul will be destroyed. Let us all put our hands together, and stop this nonsense from these selfish developers who only think of their profits.

"The earth belongs to our children, not our ancestors. It's time for us to return the earth back to them"

Price hike for petrol...good or bad?

Everyone are now making a big havoc after the announcement of the price hike for petrol. Everyone complains and are making a big fuss over it. I understand that. The increase of price of petrol will indirectly affect the increase of price for food and other necessities. But personally, I beg to differ in this case.

There are a few points to support my opinion. First, the increase of the petrol price would indirectly reduce the air pollution especially in KL. In order to save money, car pool is one of the best ways. By doing this, not only one would save loads of money, but at the same time reduces traffic jam and also air pollution. Everyday when I travel on a bus around KL and busy areas in Selangor, I find that one car contains only one person (that's the driver of course). I can tell it's really hard to find one car which is full with 5 people. Let the maths do its job. If one car can fit 5 people, that would reduce 4 cars on the road. So, if we have 50000 people working everyday, wouldn't that reduce the number of cars on the road by 40000 on the road? Think again, it's Malaysian attitude that always point fingers and blame others but they never look for opportunity to improve themselves. I felt that Malaysian are more 'kiasu' that Singaporeans. I really hope that this move will start to enlighten drivers to car pool everyday, to reduce expenses on petrol and at the same time reduce air pollution. We don't see the obvious effects of air pollution, but our children or even great grandchildren will suffer by then.

The second point that I would like to highlight is usage other means of transportation to work. Some people, and I really mean it, that some people stay near to the working place still prefers to drive and it's annoying to see them drive alone. Wouldn't it will be healthier to walk, or even cycle to work? Don't give lame excuses that the weather is hot and such. BULLSHIT! Office hours starts at around 8.30am, and definitely we start our journey earlier, which at that time, the weather is still cool. And also lame excuse that have to wake up early. Usually we do wake up early to avoid traffic, or caught in traffic. Tired is another reason. Research have found that if we exercise more, then we wouldn't get tired quickly, in fact we'll be more alert. So think bout it! LRT and buses are available. Why not make full use of it? Yes, the system is not that good in Malaysia, but if we create the demand, don't you think that the system will improve? Do anyone know that the current public transportation is actually suffering losses because the demand is less? Same cases in overseas. In KL, only about 10% of the population in KL is using the public transport. Well, if these suggestions weren't good enough, then maybe we should go back to the stone age...and travel like Wilma and Fred...like the Flintstones. Good for the environment, and also for our health. And no need to worry bout parking skills.


Third point, I really hope the government will use the reduced subsidy in petrol to subsidize other more important necessities such as food. I personally felt that this is more important. Coz food prices are going up. So if the government is increasing the petrol price, I hope that the government will subsidize food prices instead. We need food more than petrol! We can take petrol to live, right? Besides, petrol is running out in next few decades...better save it for later use. And pls Malaysians, don't waste food! Take what ever you can and pack whatever u can't finish so can finish it later.

Last point, I dun think that the government will be so stupid to purposely raised the price. The last election results showed that the government shouldn't mess with the Rakyat. And I believe that this time they are doing changes for the benefit of the people. Maybe I'm wrong, but time will tell. Who knows. So whatever it is, the increase of price of petrol may not necessarily be bad. Think again, for the environment and for the future. Think long term, we don't live forever.

Malaysia still very racist?

These two articles were taken from The Star Online...

Monday June 2, 2008

Malay students affected

PETALING JAYA: Increasing the quota for non-bumiputras for Public Service Department (PSD) scholarships without increasing the actual number of scholarships has drastically affected the bumiputras, the Umno Youth Education Bureau said.

Its chairman Ahmad Ikmal Ismail said while the bureau agreed with the Government to give more scholarships to non-bumiputras, it did not agree with the way it was done.

“The quota for non-bumiputras has increased from 10% to 45% but the number of total scholarships has remained at 2,000.”

Ahmad Ikmal said this meant that scholarships were being taken from the bumiputras to be given to the non-bumiputras.

“We object to this move because it now means that 700 scholarships for bumiputra students are gone,” he said.

Ahmad Ikmal said a better way would be to use the New Economic Policy concept to increase the number of total scholarships. He said this was to ensure that the bumiputras were not affected and the non-bumiputras would get even more opportunities.

Source: http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/6/2/nation/21425360&sec=nation

Tuesday June 3, 2008

MCA shocked by objection to PSD move

KUALA LUMPUR: The MCA is saddened and shocked by an Umno Youth leader’s objection to the fairer distribution of Public Service Department (PSD) scholarships for all races.

MCA Youth education bureau chief Dr Wee Ka Siong said the last five years had seen an expansion of PSD scholarships from 900 places in 2004 to 2,000 this year.

“The decision to increase the percentage of non-bumiputra recipients is in tandem with the rise in the number of scholarships. It is a win-win situation for all,” said Dr Wee.

He was commenting on the statement by Umno Youth education bureau chairman Ahmad Ikmal Ismail that increasing the quota for PSD scholarships for non-bumiputras without increasing the actual number of scholarships had drastically affected the bumiputras.

Ahmad Ikmal added this meant scholarships were being taken from the bumiputras and given to non-bumiputras.

Dr Wee, who is Deputy Education Minister, said outstanding bumiputra students should not worry about being deprived of a scholarship if their qualification met the criteria set out by the PSD.

He added the PSD move would also ensure a more level playing field because when more competition prevailed, students would be encouraged to perform their best.

Dr Wee also said the MCA supported the PSD move as a step in the right direction.

He said Malaysian students must strive towards achieving meritocracy in applying for government scholarships, just like the criteria for intake into public universities.

Source: http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/6/3/nation/21434785&sec=nation

These two articles showed how Malaysia is still not ready to accept the fact that race should not be a matter of issues in terms of opportunities for all. After 50 years of independence, Malaysia is still the same as 50 years before. Singapore, achieved independence later than Malaysia, but progressed faster than us. Why? One of the reasons, in my opinion is because the issue of race and opportunities. Up until today, the ‘higher ranked’ people judge us by our race and not by our abilities. If you’re good, talented but not the same colour, then your opportunity is taken away. As for this case, if the number of PSD scholarship increases, then wouldn’t that mean there’s no changes in opportunity at all? What difference does it make in terms of percentage? Yes, this move will reduce the number of bumiputras but if we consider that so many years ago, the non-bumiputras have lost even more opportunities of getting scholarships to the bumiputras. And, there’s always a question that wonders, does bumiputra here refers to single race malay or the natives that have been occupying the land even longer than the malays? Just look at the title…Malay students affected. Have we ever really taken into consideration of the real bumiputras which are from Sabah and Sarawak? It is obvious that this is a single race issue. However, my comments here are not meant to side the non-bumiputras, but instead it is my wish to see the country progress without even looking at what race we are. In fact, I would suggest removing the quota and giving the scholarships based on meritocracy, which means all are given equal opportunity. I also understand that the non-bumiputras would now be afraid that the judging panel would be bias if there’s no quota at all. But it is time for Malaysians to trust each other, and be mature enough to accept openness. Therefore, I hail all Malaysians, to put aside our race, compete fairly and equally to develop ourselves and our beloved country. Put our country first, not race. For without the country, we may not be standing here enjoying what we have. Malaysia is for all, a non-racial country, not a multi-racial country.