Mere words would not do justice to counter the content of the letter Malays need rights as much as Dr M needs ISA .

May I suggest to him the materials on the struggles of Nelson Mandela and the Civil Rights Movement in the United States as a reference with regard to such bigotry.

Secondly, as a voice of conscience that I hope represents a majority of like-minded Malaysians, I feel that many are not against the preservation of 'Malay rights' but rather they see that the problem lies in its continued application.

Affirmative action today has become a tool for certain sectors of the Malay community to enrich themselves — namely politicians and their close circle of friends.

The letter writer should look beyond his nose to see what has gone so wrong with all the special rights. Well, the 30 percent mandated bumiputra participation in public listed firms is best cited in this instance. Even Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad has acknowledged that many bumiputra sell off their entitlement the very moment the window of opportunity presents itself.

What was meant as a tool for redistributing wealth has become a means for self-enrichment within the privileged circle. The finance and international trade and industry ministries continue to dole out this portion of public money within the context of bumiputra participation and all in the name of conserving 'Malay rights'.

For a long time now, such blatant plundering has gone on with little resistance and the only voice of disapproval seems to come from those left out as beneficiaries of the largesse.

Malay rights today also extend toward education. The quota system as practised is a prime example. The system is a two-edge sword. It denies deserving Chinese and Indian Malaysians who qualified for but are not given a place in public universities and colleges.

Today, the problem has come full circle as the standards within our local universities have sunk to new lows. Graduates are not cut out to meet the needs of the marketplace and hence unemployable. Mara shows a proliferation of successful graduates but the proof of the pudding is in its eating.

Current calls for changes with regard to Malay rights stem from policy considerations made by out-going premier Mahathir. It is a step in the right direction but the voice of dissent seems to be coming from the same direction while blame seems to be apportioned towards 'others'.

Such is the sad fate of affairs within our country as the 'Malay special rights' issue continues to threaten the sanctuary of our future generation. All is calm on the surface but the threat lingers — while Umno remains divided, the Muslim votes sway towards a resurgent PAS.

Such is the harsh reality of politics in Malaysia. Problems within the Malay community will continue to stifle the true potential of our nation.