In reference to your report Treat new plans for English with caution: Kit Siang (May 14), it is not surprising that the Umno supreme council watered down the proposal to re-introduce English medium schools to mere use of English for the teaching of mathematics and science.

The befuddled meritocracy claims in university admissions have also come into question because of the unmeritorious formula of using two different entrance examinations — matriculation and STPM.

The steps taken are, at best, half-hearted measures as there seems to be a lack of political will to implement Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad's proposal. This is hardly surprising as the proposal is a complete reversal of decades-long policies on national language and affirmative action quota, the very bedrock of themes that fuelled Umno's credentials as a Malay nationalistic party.

Although they are national issues on which all Malaysians have a right to comment, it must not be forgotten that the Umno leadership classified them 'sensitive' issues impinging on "Malay rights" to thwart any dissenting voice.

The dilemma boils down to essentially this. The extolling of Bahasa (a cultural marker) at the expense of English has exacted a greater negative toll on Malay Malaysians in the market place as it has made them less employable and mobile.

The non-Malays have somehow been able to maintain a relative proficiency in English — and an edge in private commercial sector — thanks to the very quota system in local public tertiary institutions weighted in favour of the bumiputra. They have simply continued learning English to gain admissions in alternative institutions.

The other downside of the quota policies is that they act as disincentives for the target group to strive for excellence while those who did not benefit from them were driven to strive harder. There is no more doubt that competition will come, protectionist policies will go with globalisation.

When privileges become liabilities, and symbols discordant with reality, what should one do as a leader committed to the welfare of his or her peoples?

Even if the privileges are considered a sacred cow, they must still be confronted and the problems taken by its horns.

Mahathir, in spite of his chest-thumping rhetoric in the recent 56th Umno anniversary address, will have to deconstruct the nationalistic policies that he was once the main champion and architect in his rise to power in Umno.

For the sake of Malay Malaysians, national integration, unity and progress of the country, he must overcome resistance from down-line implementers to reverse policies that ironically militate against the very target group that the privileges were supposed to benefit.

The country has reached a level where people are more impressed by politicians' practical measures, sincerity towards their welfare, public accountability and trust and moderation than the traditional appeal to primordial racial sentiments. It is patronising to think otherwise.