The decision by the Public Service Department (PSD) to undertake a fairer distribution of scholarships for all the races is a step in the right direction. Increasing the quota for non - bumiputeras from 10% to 45% is definitely a positive development as it would provide better competition among the students of various races. The non-bumiputeras welcome the announcement with much joy, hope and gratitude whereas some sections of the bumiputeras, like Umno Youth, were more cautious as they felt it could erode their opportunities for such grants.

Umno Youth is fearful that this would mean a loss for the Malays which is really unfounded. The unhappiness of Umno Youth is understandable but its admission that the non-bumiputeras should also be given more scholarships is reassuring and this new stance is a clear departure from its uncompromising stand of the past. In fact in the post-March 8 era, it is encouraging to realise that even many Malays appreciate the plight of poor non-Malays and are themselves urging the BN government to look into their needs.

A new trend may be developing where there is general acceptance, even among the Malays, that a neglected community - however small it may be - is a source of ‘threat’ to all in the long run. This new mindset should be encouraged to develop further so that a time will come when all citizens, regardless of ethnicity, will be made to feel equal. In a multi-racial country the well being of every community is important for lasting peace and prosperity.

I am sure any ordinary person, including those in Umno Youth, will agree that PSD"s present 10% allocation of scholarships to non-bumiputeras, who make up 40% of the population, is grossly inadequate and unfair. It is particularly so when a significant proportion of the taxes is being paid by them as well. The mere 10% quota would imply that a significant number of non-bumiputeras who excel in the studies are being denied such aid to realise their ambitions.

Year after year many high achieving non-bumiputera students from poor families are unable to pursue their studies due to financial constraints. This has contributed to the tremendous loss of ‘brains’ to the nation as a whole. If this trend continues, how can we expect to effectively compete in a global world where only the best succeed? Racially-inclined policies of the past have no place in today’s competitive world.

The government should provide scholarships not just to the maximum scorers but to all those who qualify but cannot afford to continue their studies so that no group will be in fear of being robbed of its opportunities. The government could increase the total number of scholarships from time to time as deemed necessary but it should be fairly distributed to all who genuinely need them regardless of race. This would ensure that no excellent performers are left out because of their ethnicity.

The purpose of scholarships is to assist eligible poor students to pursue their studies in institutions of higher learning irrespective of race, religion or political ideology. Towards this end, the PSD must review its policies to ensure that these ideals are strictly adhered to without any bias whatsoever. It would a great injustice if a high-performance student from a poor background is denied such assistance thereby forcing him to abandon his pursuit of academic excellence. It would not only a setback for the individual but also a great disservice to the nation.

The time has come for the nation to rise above the racial divide and unite for the well-being of the nation. We may differ ethnically but we are all Malaysians, ready to share the fortunes and the misfortunes of our beloved nation. Let every Malaysian child be given equal opportunities in his struggles to realise his dreams and those of the nation. No community need to fear or worry as the country has enough for all. What is needed is to manage the resources with fairness and prudence.

However, it must be emphasised that there is a limit to how much the government can give. The people, too, have a role to play. There is a need to discard the 'I take all' mentality so as to allow those who really in need assistance access to these financial grants. Those who can afford should be considerate so as to not deny others from the lower-income groups who are desperately in need of such assistance. Malaysians are known to be generous to outsiders but how generous are we to our own less fortunate fellow citizens especially those of a different race?

The government must heed the cry of all students, Malays and non-Malays alike, who have performed well, especially those from the lower income groups. It must work towards establishing a education system that will be based on true meritocracy and one that will not distinguish outstanding students by race or by creed but by their excellence, zeal and commitment to serve the rakyat.