I read with interest the letter Trembling with fear at Malaysia's future on the writer's fears of returning to Malaysia.

For those of us who are at the wrong end of the NEP stick, such fears and frustrations are a part of our lives. When I was growing up, my father used to tell me to work hard and do my best in everything, because ultimately my value would be higher, even if I failed.

So I did just that. I studied hard in school, though I did not get straight As in my SPM like some of the brilliant students of today. My results were average, but good enough to get me into a private college for A-levels.

And so I studied even harder for my A-levels, but still got only average results. With my average A level results, I managed to scrape into a degree twinning programe where I had to spend some time in the UK.

Even as my father had to borrow money to send me to UK, I worked harder than I ever did at university, and surprisingly my tenacity paid off. I graduated with a first-class honors, beating most of the British students who were doing the same degree course.

After graduation I came back to Malaysia and got a job, worked hard as usual, and I'm still working hard today. God is good, and I am living a fairly comfortable life.

The point is that when the going gets tough, the tough have to get going. The value of hard work and perseverance cannot be underestimated. I believe A Very Frightened Malaysian has done well for himself, and should not fear returning to Malaysia.

In fact, the truth is that Malaysia needs all the talented and hard working people it can get to ensure its future.