The annual UMNO meeting recently has been a fiery one from the reimplementation of the NEP to the controversies of the issuance of APs. The rhetoric of the Malay agenda has been strengthening as the years roll on. In comparison, the tone in the MCA meetings running concurrently is much more mellow.

The talk of reintroducing the NEP to me is disturbing. Despite years of protectionist policies, the Malays are claimed to remain second to minority races in Malaysia. This is perhaps true when we take Malays across the board i.e. both rural and urban Malays. The undeniable demographic fact remains that more Malays populate rural communities. Rural communities will definitely have a lesser earning power and have less access to infrastructure so easily available in more urban settings. So when national statistics are drawn involving all Malays, the obvious discrepancy is perpetually present.

I agree that we need to raise the standards of living of Malays especially in rural communities. However, the challenge of ensuring that aid reaches those that are truly in need remains. The NEP has been exploited by many for personal gains. Reassurances that this will not happen again should be taken with a grain of salt. There is no concrete plan as to how "leaks" can be avoided when this policy is reimplemented.

Abolishing meritocracy is a step backward. There is only one meaning of meritocracy in this globalised world. Clinging on the the Malaysian mould of meritocracy is foolish and damages the credibility of Malaysian institutions. It will only make future generations more dependant on aid, as already evident in the youths of today.

Maintaining protectionist policies is racist in itself. Depriving one race of certain rights is racist.

Meaning of RACIST
Definition:

1. [n] a person with a prejudiced belief that one race is superior to others
2. [adj] discriminatory especially on the basis of race or religion
3. [adj] based on racial intolerance; "racist remarks"

Perhaps UMNO would like to change the definition of racist as well when they mentioned that NEP is not racist. I beg to differ.

Ultimately, it inevitably leaves many disenchanted. A dream when we can truly call Malaysia, our country, is shattered. Even in medicine, policies of the NEP have culminated in the derecognition of University of Malaya'a medical degree by the General Medical Council, UK and the downward spiral in the quality of medical graduates of today. Malaysia stands to lose in the long run. More talents will be lost and can potentially destroy a country that supposedly prides itself as being multiracial.