I question the prime minister's motive in saying that the university quota for races may be abolished. Why now? Why not a few years ago? Why not propose this in the RMK-8 (Eighth Malaysia Plan)? Why was it not debated in Parliament?

It is crystal clear that it is a political statement just to regain the support of the non-Malays after realising that Umno and Barisan Nasional are gradually losing ground support from the non-Malays after bashing them repeatedly.

As a leader who had vision for Malaysia till 2020, why was the issue of quota to the bumiputras not discussed before in the context of building a true Malaysian identity, with opportunities for everybody?

In fact Suqiu had brought up this issue in their requests to the prime minister before the 1999 general-elections. The opportunity to gradually ease the quota system would have been to close the Pusat Asasi Sains when the issue was brought up.

It was Umno that made the loudest noise (protest) then and now it is also the Umno members who are supporting the prime minister. What is your real stand, Umno?

I agree that the quota system should be reviewed. In fact, I personally believe that we have to be a little bit 'cruel' to the Malays to help and save them in the long run. However, the mechanism has to be thought out carefully and implemented gradually.

I hope malaysiakini will start a forum or organise a brainstorming session on how we as Malaysians can balance this delicate issue. I am for the idea that all Malaysians have to be helped in whatever way necessary to get the education they desire.

We must also remember that the various races are not competing on the same level ground. If the quota system were to be scraped suddenly, I fear there will be resistance from the Malays (who do not understand the rationale behind it and there will be others instigated by racial bigots).

This will tantamount to a sudden change and we know that change when it is perceived as unnecessary will not motivate people and it will be taken as a threat to their survival.