Umno MP for Batang Lupar, Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, who recently criticised the non-Malay Malaysians for not shouldering a fair share in the country's defence, is either feigning ignorance or is being deliberate and hypocritical in his remarks.

Non-Malay Malaysians stay away from an army career for various reasons. Firstly, it is quite obvious that they are not as welcome as Malay Malaysian youths in recruitment drives by the army.

The prejudice faced by those who join the army is also well-known. Promotions are based not so much on merit but on the racial and religious group to which you belong. Frustrated, many were forced to cut short their career in the army.

A look at the change in the make-up of the Rangers is a good indication of the discrimination at work in the army. After 40 years of discrimination and being unwanted, will the non-Malay Malaysians bother to even think of joining the armed forces?

Has there been a change of heart after Sept 11 or are other devious 'forces' at work here?

Criticising the non-Malay Malaysians for not joining the army is really adding insult to injury, then and now. If the government is sincere in wanting more non-Malay Malaysians to sign up, it should first admit its mistake, then make the necessary changes to the laws and statutes, etc. to ensure that this is not just a one-time thing or a dressed-up ploy post Sept 11.

A token intake is not appreciated by everyone. However, I doubt we could ever have a permanent, inclusive policy. The radicals in Umno will see to this.