"To feed without teaching, is the father's fault. To teach without severity, is the teacher's laziness. If the child does not learn, this is not as it should be. If he does not learn while young, what will he be when old?" (Mencius; AD 372-289 )  however the real issue that needs to be addressed today is not the success or failure of such a policy but rather in all practicality: Who benefited from the 'preferential' treatment?

From an education perspective, the need for meritocracy would produce students that are better equipped to face the challenges of the job market. The government is now at its wits' end trying to absorb and create jobs for the growing number of graduates that are increasing with each passing year.

Supply clearly exceeds demand and hence many graduates are not able to find jobs within the civil service that is limited. There may be instances where graduates are over-qualified and this has Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad berating them for being too picky in their quest for employment.

Graduates — foreign or local — have to meet the criteria outlined by employers regardless of race or creed. A good command of the English language is essential, an ability sadly lacking in many local grads.

The emphasis of Bahasa Malaysia exclusively in our curriculum has set our country back in unmeasurable terms and at immense social cost. If the words of the DPM is to be given any serious thought, the call for meritocracy should begin within the confines of our schools at its most elementary level.

It is easy for the DPM to acknowledge the need for meritocracy but a lot more needs to be done. Let's not fool ourselves as the tougher questions have yet to be confronted. The affirmative actions that have been put in place in our schools, colleges and universities have not achieved their desired effect.

Perhaps the DPM could impart his wisdom and pave the way to show how we can reach our goal. It is time to bite the bullet and that by itself would be a good start for the DPM to set his own legacy and mend the ways of old.