Much as I appreciate Sr Citizen's concern for Indian Malaysians, I think that there is nothing to be gained by interjecting a racial or ethnic dimension to the ongoing disgraceful AP saga .

It would not make an iota a difference to the lives of the poor Indians living in the estates or in the urban slums if a few (or even a substantial number of) members of their ethnic group have the dubious distinction of being AP recipients.

The leaders of the Malay bumiputera community may have some strange ideas on how to uplift 'endangered species' (judging from the numerous statements in the media about Malays lagging behind, being marginalised, etc) by nurturing a few iconic towering Malays.

But I believe that Malaysians of Indian origin would be gravely ill-advised to adopt the same strategy, if for no other reason than that developmental policies based purely on race or ethnicity go against human decency.

By all means, we should extend a helping hand to those who start life from a disadvantaged position, but the criterion should be need, not race or language or religion.