I refer to a letter entitled 'Glad Ng gave up PR' by Datuk Nordin Yusoff published in New Straits Times on March 26, 2003. In his letter, he said, "A person with PR (permanent residence) status has two choices. When it is good weather that person can stay o­n in that particular country, and when the weather turns bad, he can move o­n to another country. A person who goes overseas to study may try to get PR to find a job there. But PR or not they are second-class citizens in that country."

His views are correct, but does he understand the reasons behind Malaysians applying PR status overseas?

I am a second generation Chinese Malaysian with an Australian PR. I took it up mainly because the forecast does not look too good for my children in Malaysia, i.e. university entrance requirements, promotion in government and armed forces, discount in properties purchases, etc.

I do not mind being classified as second-class citizens in Australia because even as PR, we are treated fair and square (except that we don't have voting rights). Everything there is based o­n merit and not the colour of your skin or race.

For Datuk Nordin's information, I feel very sad and disgusted to be treated like a second-class citizen in our own country.