I find Umno Youth's call to private colleges to take in more bumiputra students rather puzzling. As far as I know, private colleges are open to all qualified students who are willing to pay the higher fees as compared to the lower fees charged by public institutions. So, what's the big fuss?

The answer came close on the heels of Umno Youth's call. The government has decided to increase funding to help more bumiputra students enrol in private colleges. The government's quick action is to be applauded (private college towkays must be grinning from ear to ear) as the bumiputras deserve all the help they can get so as to correct whatever socio-economic imbalances still existing in our society after 45 years of independence.

In addition to the government funding, private colleges can also do their part. Allow me to make the following suggestions:

1 Increase the tuition fees but, at the same time, give a 30% discount to bumiputra students. This follows the aspirations of the government through the National Economic Policy.

2 Private colleges should reduce the salaries of all their staff — administrators and lecturers — and the money saved could be set aside to assist bumiputra students.

I believe if everyone is willing to do his or her part, we should see more bumiputra students in private colleges soon, and Vision 2020 would be realised much earlier than has been envisaged by our political leaders.