I could not believe my eyes when I read the headline in the News Straits Times : Proposal to 'licence' students going abroad . A 'no-objection' certificate now a must for Malaysian students studying overseas?

According to Dr Adham Baba, the higher education ministry parliamentary secretary, the proposal will help the government track the students' whereabouts. 'It will also allow the government to help students get into the 'right' universities, which are those recognised by the government.

'We will advise them from going abroad if their academic records are not so good and we won't issue the certificate. Private students usually do not register with the Malaysian Students Department.

'There is a need for us to know the whereabouts of all Malaysian students abroad. If anything happens to them, at least we have records and the data and will know what to do,' said Adham.

Another hare-brained idea from Higher Education Ministry so soon after its minister's recent declaration that he would never allow non-bumiputera students into Universiti Institut Teknologi Mara (UiTM).

With such narrow-minded people in charge, it is difficult to have confidence in any of their suggestions.

Please, hands off students planning to study overseas. What right has the government to dictate who should or should not go abroad for studies and what makes the politicians think they know what is right for the students?

Already we have a so-called 'meritocracy' in our education system but it is so messed up that the true meaning of the word is lost. Now they want to control the only avenue left for those who are rejected by this dubious meritocractic system.

Many so-called 'poor' students made it good overseas simply because of the many opportunities available there and because the developed countries recognise the fact that not everyone is suited to conventional academic examinations.

I cannot help but think that the politicians have an ulterior motive. Is this anything to do with the support of Malaysian students for Anwar Ibrahim in the UK? If so, please be honest and brave enough to admit it.

Please do not insult our intelligence by hiding behind the so-called good intention of allowing the government to 'help students get into the right universities'.

We should be allowed to decide for ourselves what is good for us. It is our business if the course is not recognised as it is our money. Please help those who ask for your help. Whatever happens to us, we do not need the government officials to know what to do.

After all, they are only interested in looking after Umno leaders on their visits and their supporters. Please do not waste money spying on the students.