Since the letter from Shaukat Ali and others, it has been very interesting to read the debate with regards to emigration.

So far we (emigrants and future emigrants) have been branded by some as cowards, traitors, opportunists, ungrateful and greedy, while others looked upon us as people who sacrifice for the future of the family as well as 'brave-hearts' in our decision to uproot and face unknown challenges.

Too much has been said. While some have made valid arguments, others simply choose to condemn those who emigrate. I am not writing this letter to defend my views nor am I writing it to change the views of others.

I will also not repeat the positive views many that have contributed nor will I debate the negative aspects highlighted by others.

When I actually make that giant leap, I make it solely for the future of my family. If you look at it from an economic point of view, I will lose more than half of my accumulated wealth.

If, for some, it is at best an economically motivated move, then so be it. Please pick any book on wealth management and read the basics of economics to conclude if this is profitable.

Emigrating is simply a decision that I make within my family and has nothing to do with the guy next door. Call it selfish or whatever, but all I can say is that it is none of anyone's business. I am the one leaving behind the good and bad times, friends and family, my social circle and the things and people I love.

It is easy for people to condemn, but the pain will only be felt by those people who decide to make this tremendous change in their lives. In business, taking risks is nothing new - but not many take the risk of uprooting and starting a new life on unfamiliar territory.

It is not an easy decision as many would think. If I had millions of surplus cash like many of our 'politicians', I might put it in a briefcase and just walk into another country and buy properties and live a good life. It might then be a decision that needs not much thinking about at all.

You see, I am not leaving my country, but leaving behind a system that does not present a fair future for my generation. It is a pity that my kids will not have the opportunity to grow up with the older generation and their cousins.

They will lose a very big part of our tradition, but I am hoping that they will grow up to be good human beings, able to do whatever they please with their future.

There is so much out there for everyone, but it is a pity that the lords and masters of our country are trying to limit the capabilities of our children (bumi and non-bumis alike). From where I stand, we are moving from becoming a developed nation to a backward nation in terms of intellectual ability.

See what is happening to our universities, as they churn out youngsters into a workforce that does not view them as valuable resources. This is due to the many limitations (quota, syllabus, government propaganda, etc.) within the system that disallows young minds to be independent and competitive in the world market.

Everybody knows it, but no one dares speak out. This itself is creating a very subversive culture which will only damage the country in the long run.

If many feel that emigrants are good riddance, then maybe you might want to ask our PM why he is requesting 'ex-Malaysians' to buy properties in Malaysia and make it their second home ?

Perhaps one day things will change, but I do not see it in the near future and am not willing to bet my family's future on it. Yes, I am looking for a better life, but not necessarily a wealthier life. When my kids become adults, where they choose to live, will be their decision.

Good luck to all those who have the vision to try and reform the politics of this country. I pray that you do not end up in jail with a black eye or that you suddenly 'commit suicide' while in police custody.

If you think that this is simply a sob story of a loser, then you have missed the point. A loser doesn't go looking for new 'cheese', but is happy with the 'cheese' that is given to him daily.

The grass may not be greener on the other side, but you never, never know, if you never, never go!