From a letter to the NST,

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE: 11 A1s not enough for scholarship? By JIN KHANG Seremban April 15: IT is the same every year, isn't it? And this year it is my sister's turn to try her luck in getting a scholarship. This isn't about my sister not getting a scholarship after going for an interview. The fact is, she did not even get called for any interview. Archive Since 1991 She got straight A1s in all 11 subjects that she sat in the 2004 SPM examinations. She applied to Bank Negara, Petronas and also the Public Service Department (PSD). So far, Bank Negara and Petronas have both shortlisted applicants to attend interviews and PSD will be calling shortlisted applicants in the middle of this month. She was not shortlisted by Bank Negara or Petronas. I am speechless. She was a head prefect who was active in extra co-curricular activities. If she was called for an interview and was not shortlisted after that, then I won't be fuming over it. Coincidentally, all her female friends who got straight A1s were not called and the ones who were called (without the straight As) were all males. Is this a prerequisite now to qualify for a scholarship? I was also denied a scholarship in 1998 due to the economic downturn but I swallowed my disappointment and never made a fuss, fully understanding the crisis gripping the country at that time. Now when the economy is flourishing, there is absolutely no excuse for not even awarding an interview to a top student.

Meritocracy remains a sinful word for many in this country. It is a fault that will ultimately bring this nation to its knees. Protecting special priviledges to a certain group will only fuel feelings of mistrust and widen the divide between groups in Malaysia. Ultimately, many not of a particular colour, will have to fend for themselves and in the process, realise that this nation has really nothing much to offer. In most instances, the grass is greener elsewhere.

Yet the Government laments the lack of patriotism from all its citizens. Indeed, many find it almost impossible, and to some disgusting, to embrace a nation that continues to silently discriminate its citizens based on ethnicity. It is a painful truth that such special priviledges are driving away many talents overseas. Soon, Malaysia may cease to be a multicultural and multiracial society that it supposedly prides itself with.

There is little need to prove discriminatory practices when it is done in broad daylight. The continuity of such practices will only make Malaysia unattractive to many. Malaysia has lost her direction in her quest to become a developed nation. I fail to see the willingness to abolish such archaic practices in the future, a step so vital in consolidating Malaysia as a country that stands behind firm principles. Instead they clamour cowardly behind suppressive laws and incorrectly justify their actions as a noble intention of bringing all Malaysians equal rights in every area.

I rest my case.