The recent official survey of 60,000 unemployed graduates is a real concern; the actual figure is likely to be much higher. The last report by Bernama on March 22 indicated government statistics of 80,000 unemployed graduates.

By the time these unemployed graduates attain the skills required by current requirement, will there be enough jobs to go round? There are probably more job vacancies in the non-skilled and semi-skilled categories than the number of unemployed graduates.

In fact, many graduates refuse to be employed in the marketing/sales/service industries thinking that a better opportunity awaits them elsewhere in the near future. Sadly, it is the policies of the government of the day which determine the future prospects of so many.

We are losing out on investment to our neighbors while local industries face numerous obstacles because of pervasive corrupt practices at almost every level of starting a business, be it planning permission, approval, or licensing.

Our ability to expand domestic investment is limited to those linked to the ruling party, or with strong connection with local councilors. The alternative for new private investors is to pay a premium to join this rent-seeking club at high risk.

It is obvious that the single greatest obstacle to economic and social development is corruption. The sad part is the fact that most of us consider it as part of the culture. Despite our PM's resolve to weed out corruption, I cannot see any possible improvement without appropriate checks and balances.

A further problem is the quality of local graduates with communication skills being the most obvious symptom. Going beyond, that I fear our local graduates' ability to think critically and assess problems objectively will be lacking due to our oppressive education environment and laws in general.

I need not provide any evidence here because it is my experience. If yours is different then I know you are the lucky one.

Future prospects are not likely to be improved by our racial politics. The relentless onslaught of free trade in a globalised market, the 'brain drain' and our failure to attract talents to help boost our IT and biotech industries are just some areas that need our attention. The agriculture industry has been neglected for too long. Our only comfort, Petronas is making record profits for now, but for how long?

It is time to question our priorities when some authorities are still harping on how we should dress and talk about imposing public morals policing. My plea to the government, in particular to the PM, is do the right thing before these unemployed graduates become unemployable.