I was a migrant to Australia in the early 90s but returned to Malaysia and have been here for the last 10 years.

I was in England for six years for my education and have also worked in Singapore for about two years. I guess everyone has their reasons for migration but I suspect it is usually for the practical purposes of enhancing one's live or the life of dependents.

I do not profess to have the solutions to Malaysia's problems and indeed, there are quite a few. I am saddened by the fact that we are still a very divided people, though we would very much deny it.

Our political parties are formed along racial lines and it is obvious that every race exploits these divisive elements in our society for their own selfish goals.

To emigrate to another country is most certainly a major decision and not one to be taken lightly. Usually the eligible migrant is well-educated, skillful or financially unencumbered. In short, people who are very capable of taking care of themselves regardless of where they are.

These people are the minority in most societies. There are many horror stories and just as equally, many success stories of those who have chosen to leave for greener pastures.

I think it is unfair for successful emigrants to condemn their country of origin that has fed, clothed and educated them. Whatever faults the origin country has, it cannot be denied that it provided the means for one to emigrate. I believe we should be very thankful instead.

We should spare a thought for those who are less skilled and less fortunate in their educational and financial background and who cannot even afford a bus ticket out of town, let alone a flight to Toronto, Sydney, LA, etc. These people (from all races) have to rough it out regardless of any injustices, unfairness and exploitation they may experience.

To quote Albert Einstein: 'Try not to become a man of success, but rather try to become a man of value.'