In reference to R Razif's 'CLP is for non-Malays' benefit' (Dec 5), I wish to point out that the majority of non-Malays who wish to enter the legal profession have little choice but to obtain their law degrees from established universities overseas. This is because the non-bumiputras who sit for the STPM examination have to be the cream of the crop (securing four to five As) in order to enter local universities to read law, thanks to the quota system that is in place. In contrast, bumiputras need only secure the minimum pass in the STPM.

Where does this leave the non-bumiputra students? The only other alternative for them is to obtain an overseas law degree if they want to become lawyers. That explains why only "seven to eight percent Malay candidates sit for the CLP" because the majority of them obtain their law degrees from local universities that exempt them from sitting for the CLP.

Unfortunately, the graduates from overseas universities have to sit for the gruelling CLP exam, which really is a mechanism to filter, if not curb, the number of non-bumiputras who enter the legal profession.

Please remember that the results of the CLP were found marked up and down.We don't have the exact figures of both. So it's ridiculous to even suggest that the non-Malays have benefitted from this shameful exercise. The CLP is not a "benefit" for non-Malays. It's really a curse.