For the past year, I have been trying to get into the Malaysian armed forces particularly the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) but all my applications under the graduate officer programme have been ignored.

Being a non-Malay and with the call of the government to attract more non-Malays into the armed forces, I thought my chances were good.

I am a degree holder in Business Management (Hons) from the University of Sunderland and all they could tell me is that I qualify but I will have to try again next year as they claim that they are not taking in anyone from my degree programme this year.

I just could not understand why there is so much bureaucracy in joining the military.

It was my childhood dream to be in the RMAF. I've been preparing myself by training everyday and keeping fit this past one year but all they could tell me was that I am not qualified.

How am I to accept this answer? I just don't know how to pick up the pieces and move on but I guess in this country, when one wants to join the military, one needs to beg and plead especially if you are a non-Malay.

I've also written an official letter to the Biro Pengaduan Awam and all they could say was that I don't qualify because of my degree.

In line with our Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak's 1Malaysia concept, where all Malaysians are given equal opportunities to pursue their ambitions in every sector in the country, I reckon this sector should also include the armed forces.

Are the armed forces only reserved for the Malays or is it open to all races?

And why does the government say in newspapers that non-Malays are not interested in joining the armed forces whereas I as a non-Malay, who is interested in joining the military and serving my country, is not even given a chance to attend an interview?