The recent treatment rendered to Dr Edmund Terrence Gomez leading to his resignation from the University of Malaya gives a strong signal to students about the atmosphere surrounding Malaysian academia.

It is obvious that something is wrong, transparency is lacking, and people who are in positions to rectify the situation are not responding. We are giving a world-class Malaysian the boot.

Malaysia's message to students home and abroad pursuing studies in hope of achieving Gomez's stature in academics is loud and clear - 'Don't worry about coming home, Malaysia doesn't really give a damn about your well being. Make your name and stay abroad'.

This signal cannot be much stronger. Is it intentional? I hope not, but the damage sure is done.

Good luck, Dr Gomez.