Reference is made to Academic's view ('Just open more public universities', May 10). While concurring with him on the importance of having more public universities, I must highlight that in my opinion, the government is keen to encourage private colleges that are linked to the ruling elites.

It is common knowledge that there are many private colleges mushrooming in the country. Some of these private colleges are operating within the public university campuses, hence giving an impression to the public, especially the bumiputras that their children are indeed studying in a university environment, on a franchise basis, and provided with loans.

There are also private colleges linked to state governments operating in shopping complexes. One such college is in the KL city were you can find many stray dogs, cats, and not forgetting snooker and karaoke shops in the midst. Is this environment suitable for further education?

Also, my son, born to parents of mix marriage - Malay and Indian - is classified as an Indian. This classification is not a big concern to me because I can afford to send him to more established private colleges.

What disturbs me most is - and I want the Education Minister to explain - is it true that children born to Indonesian parents, but citizens of Malaysia, have been provided with scholarships by the government to study in public universities and colleges? Are they considered to be bumiputras? If it is true, how many are there and what are the reasons that they are given such a treatment? My children feel discriminated and they are complaining.

I wish to also pose another question to the same minister. How is that information given to the Unit Pusat Universiti has landed in the hands of many politically-connected private colleges? Did it not occur to the authorities that information provided to the ministry while seeking admission to universities is confidential?

Suddenly, my income and other private information has become public property. My son, an average student, suddenly has at least several offers from these private colleges and one such college is in Langkawi, which charges more than what is normally incurred to study in established colleges in KL. Obviously, these colleges are targeting children from affluent families.

As a former academician, I feel sad to say that the minister's recent statements on the matter of intake into public universities can be likened to the Indian proverb - "trying to hide a whole pumpkin in a plate of rice".

Please buck up.