There are countless 'why-I-left' anecdotes screaming from Malaysian diasporic blogsites - each anecdote, potentially punishable under the Sedition Act, flagging pointers on how to plug the 'brain drain'. Promote fair opportunities for all, they say. Shun mediocrity. Inspire meritocracy. Wipe out systemic discrimination. And one of a different tone 'fix the KL traffic jams'. A random content analysis shows each angry anecdote ends with a reckoning that changes in 'the system' will never happen without the political will.

Economics, education and career have compelled many to leave since the late 70s to as far as the UK and US; as isolated as New Zealand and Australia. From scientists and doctors to academics, engineers and the rare journalist, will they return if they see signs of 'the system' changing to become 'more accommodating'? Maybe.