I know of Malay intellectuals whose minds I highly regard such as Prof Syed Husin Ali, the late Ishak Shaari, Dr Rahman Embong. The political dwarfs should leave intellectual discussion to the giants, says a reader.

On Road to academic serfdom?

Chew Swee Yoke: Azly Rahman is right when he says this latest Asli debacle does the Malay race a great disservice as it gives the impression that the Malays cannot tolerate an intellectual discussion.

That is a great pity as I know of Malay intellectuals whose minds I highly regard such as Prof Syed Husin Ali, the late Ishak Shaari, Dr Rahman Embong, etc. These are intellectual giants who are able to take on any researcher on level ground. I suggest that the political dwarfs leave intellectual discussion to the giants.

On Academic: NEP not hostile to foreign interests

LLC: I totally disagree with Shakila's conclusion on the effects of the NEP on foreign direct investments in Malaysia. My question to her is: How many businessman/entrepreneurs/corporate executives has she spoken to. Even those whom she may have spoken to may not speak their mind knowing she is from the 'establishment'.

I have worked in/been board members of a few PLCs (private limited companies) in Singapore and Malaysia for the last 31 years. I know the complains and grievances of many these businessmen. Shakila may be partially right in saying that the investments have gone up. Let me remind her that many a potential investment may have been lost. In particular, one must remember that no one, and I repeat no one, owe Malaysians a living.

Investors now have a choice of going to any one of the more than 100 countries and territories that give them a more conducive and freer business environment. If Shakila and those who share her views still do not wake up, then I am sorry for Malaysia because we are the ones who will lose out in the end, not the investors.

If Shakila and those who share her views still do not see, then I suggest she look at the numerous local companies including Malaysian GLCs (government-linked companies) which have gone overseas.

On Newspaper ads back Lim's courage

Old Timer: To me, there is no issue with regard to the bumiputera equity report prepared by Dr Lim Teik Ghee. Why? Very simple. Dr Lim, with respect, is not competent to undertake the study and subsequently make the report. If I am not mistaken, his discipline is history not economics. Economics would provide a person with the appropriate conceptual, theoretical and

analytical tools to carry out such a study which obviously is about an economic issue.

Editor's note: Dr Lim is one of the authors of the report. The report was collectively written by a group of scholars including economist Dr Edmund Terence Gomez .

On Make bumi shares like Malay reserve land

RS: Malay reserve land today is so unprofitable and underdeveloped compared to non-reserve land. This is because non-Malay and foreign developers can't participate in developing Malay reserve land.

Likewise, making bumi shares like Malay reserve land is like Bursa Malaysia committing suicide. Expect multiple years of severe bear market in the local stockmarket if this suggestion is followed.

The more pertinent thing to do is to have a bull run in Malaysia. If Malays control 45% of Bursa Malaysia, having a bull run will be immensely profitable to the Malay middle class. The best idea is to liberalise, not to close up.

On Non-Malays clouded by own insecurities

A Sympathethic Malaysian: The style and quality of writing is so typical that it could only have been written by a 'M Sahaja', someone who, despite the abundance of unfair advantages available, failed to secure a government scholarship despite M Sahaja's having obtained admission into one such Ivy League university!

On Jeffrey Kitingan speaks up as new PKR man

Ah Chong: It is time Sabahans take control of their own state. For years, the federal government through proxies have raped, and plundered this state from all its rich natural resources. Sabah, rich in natural resources and endowed with beautiful rainforests, is one of the poorest states in the federation. I understand from my many friends there that contracts are mainly given to peninsular Malaysians and almost all the materials in construction are imported from the peninsular.

Millions of illegal immigrants are naturalised and enjoy the fruits of the state for political purposes. This was recently revealed as 'Project M' and yet Pak Lah does not have the will nor the conviction to bring those responsible to justice. It is time to kick the incumbent out.

On Salahuddin vs LKY debate on the cards?

Lee: Bravo! A PAS representative has taken up the challenge. I doubt LKY will take him on because he is a nobody. Come on, component parties of BN, especially Umno. Be brave enough to take up the challenge and let the venue be in a neutral place and the debate telecast live. This is a good opportunity for them to show the Malay community that they have the guts and facts to rebut what LKY has commented. The people of Malaysia is waiting.

On Press is free but self-censors: Pak Lah

Misery: Can you tell me what's the different with the news we watch every night on Malaysian televisions? (RTM1, RTM2, TV3, ntv7)? They share the same news - all about how nice the government is. I no longer trust our TVs and newspapers. That's why I rather spend my RM15 subscribing to Malaysiakini.com news rather than give my money to newspapers that tell only the bright side of government.