In the World University Rankings 2006 published by the Times Higher Education Supplement and conducted by QS Quacquarelli Symonds, UKM rose by 105 places to break into the top 200 ranked universities for the first time, climbing from 289 last year to 185.

UM, however, continued its downward spiral, by dropping a further 23 places to 192. Its ranking fell from 89 in 2004 to 169 last year, causing a national debate on the status of the premier university and the validity of the criteria used for the rankings.

There has been all round applause on the improved ranking of UKM. We must give credit to all involved for the better performance of UKM but a ranking of 185 is not something to shout about. Instead of questioning the validity of the criteria used for the rankings, it would be wise if we work harder to achieve a much better ranking, probably among the top 10, in the years to come.

It is really disappointing but not surprising that UM is continuing to drop further from 89 to 192 within two years. As a former graduate of this once-premier university, I am indeed embarrassed of its standing.

In the 70s, UM had many prominent academicians of international recognition but today we are not able to name any such personalities. UM at its inception was at par with National University of Singapore (NUS) but the latter is now far ahead at No 19 spot. In fact, if we compare more closely at all levels, we are no where near NUS. What has gone wrong with our once premier university?

Our leaders and the relevant authorities are not at all perturbed by the deteriorating standard of our institutions of higher learning. They question the methods of grading these institutions and always blame others, especially the West, for conspiring and being biased against us.

The failure to practice real meritocracy in university staff affairs and in intake of students are the main causes of the dismal performance of our universities. 'Brain drain' is a regrettable accompaniment of this policy.

Many of our lecturers have left for the so-called greener pastures overseas due to the very shoddy treatment they received at local universities. Their talents are not tapped or rightfully rewarded. Rightful and well-deserving promotions are denied and given to more junior and less capable ones. It is a strange situation where our own intellectuals are better recognised in foreign countries than in their own motherland.

The intake of fresh students, too, is far from ideal. The best of the matriculation students are given scholarships and sent overseas instead, a practice that is not only detrimental to the standard of our own universities but an insult to them as well. If we do not hold our institutions in high esteem, who else will?

Meanwhile, many students with top results in the STPM examination are not offered the courses they seek. In the end, only mediocre students are admitted to pursue studies at our own local universities. How we compete with prominent foreign institutions with such a myopic practice?

The great national pride and patriotism we had are slowly but surely being eroded and replaced with patriotism and pride for one's own race and religion. We prefer the prosperity of our own community than that of the nation.

The talents of all Malaysians must be tapped fairly without prejudice. Only this will reverse the present trend to place national pride above all other interests. Unless we actively do this, the future may not look encouraging.