There has been an uncanny openness in Malaysia regarding financial mismanagement, weaknesses in the implementation of governmental projects as well as some personal improprieties amongst the political elite.

Whilst public exposure through the media in so-called 'decadent' Western countries often results in prompt police investigation and swift court action if wrong-doing is uncovered, this rule does not apply in Malaysia. Instead, public exposure leads to more sensational public exposure.

A result of this lack of accountability is a culture of shamelessness. To Malaysians corruption, violent crime, mega-project failures and bail-outs are part and parcel of our way of life. If our attitude towards traffic laws are any indication of our wider attitude toward civic life, the Malaysian way is best summed up by the adage 'if you can't beat them, join them'.

There is a danger is such a slide. It is a slippery slope into apathy and will ultimately lead to the disintegration of the country. When Malaysians no longer feel shame when one of their own steals, robs or maims, then they have little love left for their country.

It is not in the interests of anyone (the fat cats included) if Malaysia becomes a failed state. There is a fine balance between 'making money' and being responsible citizens. It is in the interest of the rich to keep the golden goose happy so that it can continue laying golden eggs. A progressive middle-class has always propelled economic growth as they aspire to join the elite top one percent of the population. They attempt to do this through education and innovative ideas.

Malaysia's middle-class is now imperiled by narrow ethnic nationalism, the rise of religious exclusivity and now a 'kleptocracy' in the making. One letter writer suggested a means-based affirmative action policy with higher taxes for top earners. This sounds like socialism, which relies on government intervention. But as he pointed out in his letter, the failure of social engineering projects like the NEP is in its implementation. If so, can we expect a government that suffers from 'a lack of sincerity' to regulate itself?

Even if an Islamic fundamentalist government comes to power tomorrow, Malaysian society will still remain largely unequal. It is not easy dismantling a system of governance especially if those new to governing have to contend with very complicated financial and administration systems. Presiding over a multi-ethnic country so integrated into the world economy might be a bit challenging for governmental novices. It may be seductive to think that religious fundamentalism is the answer, a quick fix . But neither Iran's theocratic government nor the Pilgrim Fathers of New England had much success.

Whilst most of what the letter writer advocates is logical and reasonable, his objection to meritocracy and emphasis on the liberal arts may be a bit difficult to reconcile with his desire for 'sincerity'. The education sector, at least the teaching staff, has to be manned by the best brains in the country. Their objective is to produce thinkers and scientists. A science-based education with a lot of emphasis on mathematics must be promoted vigorously. Meritocracy does not mean we cannot make the playing field more level. It is not incompatible with means-based opportunities.

What is often overlooked is the restorative powers of meritocracy. It emboldens the individual's sense of self-worth and reassures entire communities of the power of public participation. Meritocracy also means that educational elitism and the strange Malaysian attitude towards vocational education can finally be changed. The development of skills then becomes just as important as the development of the mind. If there is merit, there will be dignity in whatever a person does.

If one takes the longer view, the cultivation of the middle-class through a merit-based system will ultimately lead to a more equitable society. Such a society will feel pride, not only in the work it does but for the country that it belongs to. In short, Malaysians will want each of its citizens to be accountable for their actions, even if it means making traffic offenders pay a fine or sending a corrupt politician to jail.