In reply to Tong Kong's rebuttal , 'Meritocracy can only mean one thing', I would like to point out that the qualities which makes one successful at a job depends greatly on the job itself.

In Muslim Malaysia, it is clear that being a Muslim is one vital quality for the post of prime minister for example.

The point is that the prime minister must be able to project the Malay-Muslim aspirations and values both locally and internationally.

Contrary to what Tong Kong thinks, there are many qualities which cannot be materially quantified. Therefore, meritocracy is a hollow claim without first specifying one's value system in which merit is to be measured.