I refer to the letter Economist's basis of calculation erroneous . Well, it seems like that cat is out of the bag. Numbers, as they say, do not lie. Having lived a major part of my life trading commodities here in Chicago, that is a saying that holds true in my industry.

Bumiputera equity ownership numbers have been revealed for what they really are. A staggering 45% says the report by Asli which seems rather well-referenced. Mission accomplished - equalisation of equity ownership achieved. But is it really? Are the numbers right, or are my ears deceived by relatives back home, who still whine constantly at how bad they are faring as bumiputeras in Kuala Kangsar?

I looked up the numbers provided by Asli, and they are, well, accurate. And looking at the massive wealth accumulated by the bumiputera (primarily Umno) politicians and their families, it is quite clear where that 45% is. I frown with disgust, but can't help feeling a sense of vindication that I was right 17 years ago.

Back then, when I had just finished my term at Yale and was still said by many of my own to be raw in my thoughts, I had predicted that it was going to be this way, corrupt politicians sucking the country's wealth, politicians playing the racial card to stay in power, and affirmative action policies resulting in the ultimate destruction of the country (and, more importantly to me, the Malays). The latter part of the predictions has not happened yet, but it appears we are locked solidly on autopilot, well on the way to it.

I moved here to Chicago, after spending my first two years out of varsity as a trader in stock options in New York. My parents were from modest origins in the town of Kuala Kangsar and I had the opportunity to ply my time abroad thanks to a government scholarship. I'm not proud of the fact, as the scholarship is a given by virtue that I am a Malay. But I probably would have earned the scholarship on merit anyhow as I had aced my secondary school exams.

Policies like the affirmative action for the bumiputeras is only going explode in a matter of time. And the longer the duration, the more painful the fall. That is the fate that is to befall my kind. The non-bumiputera (mainly the Chinese and Indians) population will slowly find greener pastures abroad (that is already happening). The policy then falls flat as you have much less contributors but many more recipients. And the Malays will be left with not much but a very beggar type mentality. Since there are no more non-Malays to fight against, it becomes Johorian versus Kelantanese (a-la Shia versus Sunni in Iraq).

So right now, while I'm contemplating retiring at a relatively young age of 41, I fear the worst for my people. I objected against this affirmative action policy when I was a student, and I object to it now.

We must rid ourselves of this burden, and embrace our non-Malay countrymen of superior work ethic, not chase them away. We must. And in answering the question posed by Confused White Guy's Timeless masterpiece of the 'sensitive issue' , the only way we can stop this self-destruction is for us, as the 'beneficiaries' of this affirmative action policy, to speak out against it and get it scrapped along once and for all.

Along the years, I have met up with more than a handful of those who share my views about the future of the race, both here in the US and back home. Well, it is time for us to salvage this situation. You can do that by voting the heavily-corrupted Umno out, by voting for an independent candidate in the next general elections.

We have to act now for even foreigners are starting to see the picture as clearly as I do. Say no to the bumiputera policies. Say no to self-destruction. Say no to corrupt politicians who only seek to enrich themselves (I understand this has now sunk to the level of the PM's son sucking the country's coffers dry in full public view). Say no to these corrupt politicians who stay in power by playing the racial card. Say no to the fanatics who play the religious card.

Staying here in the US for as long as I have, I appreciate the positive things of this country which are really quite plentiful (despite the downs, like the current maniac in office). In that time, I have come to abide by good principles which really should be a given. I believe in freedom of speech, I believe in meritocracy, I believe that government should be accountable and transparent, and I believe in a secular state.

Too bad the current political climate in Malaysia can't foster a party that voices the above in its manifesto, as they would probably be in the joint. So it is time to act and you and I can play a part right now by voting for the independents, and voicing the need to remove the bumiputera policy, which is a surefire way to self-destruction.