Education, the single best 'investment' to lift one's living status has always been in the spotlight every day since the announcement of university intakes according to 'merit' this year.

Whatever the arguments put forth, one fact remains: The education standard of the country is still declining. The quality of graduates is so poor that it affects new investment into the country.

Quality, not quantity, is what matters in this competitive world. Yet quantity is what counts where our government is concerned and because of that, a separate education system and standard has been set to ensure the 'success' of the protected lot.

Everything was made easy and there was no keen competition inside their system. They live in a virtual world which neglects the very fundamental rule of life — survival of the fittest.

Industrialists will shy away from a workforce of poor quality regardless of how many and how low the price of offer. They'd ask: Why must I accept a poor quality 'product' of education and put my company's survival on the chopping board in this highly competitive world? Is there enough 'product' quality in the market to support my industrial activities for the coming future?

Putting political interest way above the country's education needs will only make a mess of society, not progress. Protection and affirmative action will only produce a poor quality.