I refer to Suresh Gnasegarah's letter , 'Quota measure proposed by Keadilan is no solution'. I would like to state my support for the writer's views in this matter and feel that reverting to the quota system - either by the current Barisan Nasional government or by any future government - is certainly a step in the wrong direction.

I was one who truly cheered for the BN government when the decision to abolish the quota-based system was announced, only to feel utterly deceived and cheated when the new system of entry into government universities was revealed.

I feel this new system is a well-planned and calculated attempt to pull wool over the eyes of the rakyat , who in the eyes of the people in power, must really come across as fools.

Equating the torturous STPM examination with the matriculation courses where students are spoon-fed is ridiculous, even laughable.

The only way to achieve a truly meritocratic entrance into loval varsities, as any fool will be able to tell, is by having a single common examination for all students regardless of race. Anything else is bound to be open to abuse regardless of how workable and fair it appears on paper.

However, while returning to the quota-based system may 'solve' the problem at hand and silence some short-sighted critics , it is nevertheless a step backwards for the hopes of a truly fair and just Malaysia where all races live in harmony.

I strongly second Suresh's suggestion that 10-30 per cent of places in local universities be allocated to the poor and handicapped students regardless of race or colour in the true spirit of affirmative action.

Are we really that primitive to continue associating economic progress along racial lines? Is it that difficult to level the playing field as far as race is concerned and help the deserving, whether they are Malay, Chinese or Indian?

After all, if any one particular race is more deserving of help from a macro point of view, then so be it. But don't derive policies from that macro view alone.