I would like to voice out my opinions about what I think about the Aug 31 celebrations. It has been 50 years since Malaysia attained independence from the British in 1957. However, I have a few Malaysian friends who tell me there is nothing 'Merdeka' to celebrate about. At first, I didn't understand why but what they told me is an eye-opener for foreigners like me.

Many Malaysians define their annual Merdeka day as the day Malaysia began to stand on its own but the question I want to ask is: Is Malaysia really 100 percent 'merdeka'? If Malaysia is a multiracial nation which promotes peace and harmony among all different ethnic groups, how come there is still segregation between the Malays and non Malays? This is not democracy, this is already considered apartheid.

My Malaysian friends told that they do not see any future for themselves and their children living back in Malaysia all because of the unequal treatment they receive with regards to their education, culture and economic and religious rights.

The lack of freedom of speech and expression in Malaysia also reminded me of the Wee Meng Chee's 'Negarakuku' scandal. Moreover, corruption is still rampant in Malaysia which is shocking to me. My Malaysian friends told me they rather see their children grow up and be able to speak their minds rather than being forced to keep silent. If Malaysia is becoming a first-class developed nation, how come it still holds such a Third World mentality?

My Malaysian friends pointed out the fact that gaining admission into public universities in Malaysia is difficult compared to universities in Australia, UK and the like. Why? It is because public universities in Malaysia employ racial quotas for admission which favour the bumiputeras.

They point out examples where a non Malay straight As student being denied admission whereas bumi students with below average grades could get into the local universities easily. Haven't these universities ever heard of the term 'meritocracy' where a student is selected according to his grades and demonstrated abilities rather than according to his race and religion?

My Irish colleague believes that this racial quota is the most ridiculous system he had heard of. We believe if Malaysian public universities carry on with this system, the country will go downhill with such graduates.

I have heard many times of the brain drain issue which is happening in Malaysia where talented and qualified individuals specialising in science, medicine, the arts, business, and culture have chosen to migrate overseas. The reason why they choose to move out is not because of better pay or a better life but is due to the fact that these people cannot gain employment in the government sectors.

Malaysia still has a long way to go as a nation. Unless racial segregation, discriminatory policies and subsidies are stopped for good, Malaysia will only end up regressing back to being a Third World nation.