Most non-bumiputera Malaysians have known all along that Dr Mahathir Mohamad has done little for them during his 22 years as prime minister. In fact, the implementation of the NEP has been most extreme under his rule.

By all means, help the bumiputera by giving him a scholarship, licence, loan, a place in the university, jobs, etc, even if he does not satisfactorily meet the criteria. But denying a non-bumiputera, with the necessary qualifications and competence a licence, job, promotion, university place, etc, is total betrayal of trust.

Such a denial of rightful opportunity is tantamount to placing huge barriers in the path of honest citizens by their leaders - a case of 'pagar makan padi' in real life.

This issue appears to have become particularly critical for the Indian community, given its poorer economic position. I believe that for the non-bumiputera (Indians included) to achieve his potential, he needs no help from the government.

He has the capacity and ability to progress and contribute to the nation and make the pie bigger for all. He is not asking for help. All he is asking for is a level-playing field.

With a level-playing field, I am sure the Indian Malaysian, too, would succeed and such issues as whether Mahathir did or did not help the Indians would be a non-issue if not irrelevant.