The government must realise that it is incumbent upon itself to do so because it owes the rakyat an explanation and not because it is doing the rakyat a favour, says a reader.

On Bumi equity hit NEP target 10 years ago

Lim Yiat Fong, Wanita MCA deputy secretary-general: I read with great interest the latest article regarding a university research paper by Dr M Fazilah Abdul Samad in 2002 which found that bumi equity ownership had achieved its target of 30 percent 10 years ago in 1997 when it hit 33.7%. It was also reported that the methodology used was also based on par value of KLSE companies

To my mind, the fact that the research paper was undertaken by a university academician has lend a lot of credence to the whole issue and debate about the status of bumiputera equity ownership under the NEP.

If what was reported is true (and Dr Fazilah's research was done way before Asli's findings), it certainly gives rise to a lot of negative speculations which is very unhealthy for the government. Noted the government has stated its preparedness to reveal the methodology used to compute its statistics after much adverse public comments on the issue, nevertheless the government must realise that it is incumbent upon itself to do so because it owes the rakyat an explanation and not because it is doing the rakyat a favour.

The government should really be seen to make a real attempt to explain how the 18.9 percent was derived. To be transparent, it would even be better if the government can make available a list showing the detailed breakdown of the various equity owners. This is a crucial and delicate issue that needs to be tackled with care and wisdom as the outcome of the next general election could, to a certain extent be influenced by the way this issue is resolved.

If it is true the magic figure of 30 percent bumi equity has been achieved (or perhaps even exceeded) by now, the government should be bold enough to do away with the NEP and instead enact policies to alleviate a more urgent emerging problem which is the intra-ethnic income or wealth disparities. After all, there are many bumis and non-bumis who are still living in poverty. Assistance on eradication of poverty should be rendered to those who need them most regardless of creed or colour.

To continue insisting on the continuation of NEP (with particular emphasis on 30 percent bumi equity) would mean, to the non-bumis, that they are being short changed (and further lend credence to a neighbouring senior statesmen's remarks that the Chinese are systematically marginalised) and to the bumiputeras at large particularly in the rural areas, that they are also being marginalised because most of wealth reserved under the 30 percent quota do not really get filtered down to their level as the ones who truly benefit are only a handful of individuals with strong connections.

Ah Chong: The BN leaders are in a fix and it's all their own doing. If they were to accept these figures and say, look at our achievements in the last 49 years, then there is no more need for the NEP which many have grown so attach to. If they were to dismiss these figures so that they can continue the NEP, then many would say after more than three decades, this BN government has failed to achieve the 30 percent equity for the bumiputeras.

The truth is the BN government has no other vision to take the nation into the next century. A tangible vision would be a follow-on from the successes of the NEP wherein all races can now begin to work for the advancement of the nation on equal footing.

On Tearful Zakaria tells why he needs mansion

AJ Ratnam: Truly my heart bleeds for this councillor. I am convinced that he built

this simple house not to show off, which I went to see for myself, although it could have passed for a mansion in suburban USA. The only difference, the watch tower is a stack higher than his fellow councillors; perhaps it is to better look out for needy people that come a calling.

We also have to give him credit for helping a few people, help build a mosque and a school. I suppose if one has only RM8 million to set aside to build a modest house, it is a tall order to make such sacrifices, especially if one has got all that wealth through pure hard work and without using his political connection.

So please leave him alone so he can continue the good work. Also let's not forget to stand back and applaud the thousands of similar "towering Malays" that make up our social fabric.

Wong Kin Mun: It is interesting how the embattled Zakaria Deros chose to bare his emotions when he met with the press. Now that he has been dealt the knockout blow by the sultan, is he trying to get the sympathy of the people? Breaking down and crying like a baby in public over one's own misdeed shows his level of maturity. To him I say, keep your crocodile tears to yourself. If he has any honour left in him or at all, he should just issue a public apology over his misdeeds and announce his resignation, without all the makings of a soap opera.

Trying to justify the size of his palace by saying he's going to house all his 11 children, in-laws and grandchildren, is just a lame excuse. A two-year-old child can offer a better excuse.

Peter Ooi: Building a mansion to cater for his large number of family members is no excuse to flout the laws. Being a member of the municipal council he should be fully aware of rules governing erection of buildings. Now that he is caught on the wrong side of the laws, he put the blame on his architect.

If his blame on the architect is true, the only conclusion that can be drawn is that he must be a 'half-past-six' architect! But, in all probably, it would be at the urging of Zakaria that the building commenced even without approval from the authority. Now that he is cornered, he is appealing to the emotions of simple folks to undo his wrong. He mentioned that he had done so much for the people in Kampung Idaman by building mosques, etc.

If past deeds could be used to justify his wrongdoings, even a simple postman could do likewise. A postman could claim that he worked tirelessly, come rain or shine, just to deliver letters to the people on time.

Let us hope that the authority would come down real hard on him and a few other councillors, just to send a clear message to all laws are meant to be followed. Demolish their mansions just like what had been done in the past on illegal temples, extensions or buildings without approval. Otherwise, it is hoped that the Klang Municipal Council would not demolish anymore illegal extensions or buildings just like the Zakaria mansion in the future. It can only impose a fine, nothing more.

On Harassment by religious officers worrying

R Gonzales: The fault lies in the Kedah state goverment's religious department. They should conduct the operation in a discreet manner. Why can't they coordinate the matter with the hotel or the resort. I am sure the front desk has all the details of the occupants registered with them. The religious department's officials and whoever conducting the raid should use their heads and find logic as to which particular rooms to be searched, if they are doubtful.

They should have a search warrant or official authorisation authorising to conduct raid, not just rushing in and simply knocking the door. In performing their duties, they should observed proper etiquette. The hotel must act professionally and get the professional to manage the hotel.The comfort and security of their guests is the hotel's responsibility and they should safeguard it.

The outcome of the whole incidence brought shame to me. I hope the tourism ministry will take necessary actions to bring back the confidence of foreigners to Langkawi.

On Nazri: Umno members are immune to graft laws

MSY: This is yet another senseless statement by our minister. If that is the case, any fraud conducted within a company is not subjected to police investigation or the ACA since it only involves the shareholders and directors. It is now clear to all and sundry that there are two sets of laws. One for the common folk and one for Umno leaders.

Instead of recognising the corruption and abuse of power, Umno blames the opposition for exposing the sin. There is no more morals, conviction or integrity. Right and wrong is no more a clearly stated line. This is truly sad that the minister of parliamentary affairs can say something like this.

On Pak Lah is almost like a saint, says Dr M

Sadirah K: It is amazing that Dr Mahathir can pen such a letter and not realise that he was the man who over a period of 22 years created this culture. He was the man who postponed Umno elections, the man who introduced nominations as the basis for certain positions within Umno. Now suddenly he is suffering a serious dose of amnesia.

Come on Dr Mahathir, we have lived through the days when you dealt with your former deputy Anwar Ibrahim. We know how you handled him and how you even closed one eye when the former DPM got a black eye.

To talk as you do now and to champion freedom, you need some credibility. Thank you, for many are now seeing you for who you really are - a crass politician. You do not have the moral high ground to take on the present PM.

He has given us more space then you have done. Perhaps a lot of things are being done by henchmen who may be out to please him but this was the culture that you have put in place.

Get real, the cabinet is also filled with your selected candidates. The wheel has circled and it is time that you felt as so many have felt. You may have brought economic benefits to the nation but you never extended the space for democracy, dialogue and criticism. Who dared criticise you when you were in power? Remember the former Australian PM and how personally you took his criticism.

Stop making a fool of yourself and remember that you may need some training to become a pensioner. Perhaps the civil service should be reminded to send you an invitation to such a course. Save us the blushes, Dr M.

HL Too: I do not recall reading in the mainstream news media any criticisms of Dr M during his tenure of prime minister. In fact, I've not read any criticisms of any Malaysian prime minister in our so-called mainstream daily newspapers until now. I think Dr M has a very short memory or rather a selective one.