It took the government 30 years to realise that the quota system has done more damage than good. It is a really sad to see the top achievers denied entry into the local universities - ironically punished for doing well in the Malaysian education system. Sacrificing valuable human resources just because of skin colour is a crying shame.

However, I am pessimistic about the timing of Dr Mahathir Mohamad's announcement regarding the possible abolishment of the current quota system. I think it is a mere political move to gain back the confidence of the people; if it were not, then why wasn't this announced earlier, say 20 years ago?

What is the goal of our current education system? To sow the seed of knowledge or to instill hatred between ethnic groups?

Everyone, regardless of skin colour, can be a top achiever. But what's driving some ethnic groups to do better is the fact that they do not have the full support of the government. Whereas for the other more privileged group, the picture that has been engraved in my mind of how their mind works is: Why work so hard when the government provides everything for us?

I am fortunate enough to have earned my degree abroad - my deepest gratitude to my parents. Currently, I am working in US and being sponsored to pursue my master's degree. It shows how appreciated I am here compared to my so-called home country.