Ichb
5:49pm Fri Jan 31st, 2003
 

Let me first say that in the past few days, malaysiakini has done a great job in publishing letters from readers who were for and against Umno Youth's action as well as the ‘special privileges’ issue. It shows malaysiakini is unbiased and I hope Malaysians will continue to give their views and opinions.

Letters like 'Think before acting advice' lost o­n Umno Youth by Anon should be encouraged as it encourages debate, an option open to everyone, including Umno Youth.

In response to the letter Hands off bumiputera policy, the writer, Pro-Assimilation, wrote:

"The Chinese and Indians are better off in Malaysia compared with their counterparts in other countries where they are in the minority. Sure, the special privileges given to Malay Malaysians are unfair. But, ask too, how the Malay Malaysian who works in a Chinese company fares. Look at the recruitment section and note the 'Mandarin/Chinese speaking preferred' liner."

Is he saying that as long as the Chinese and Indian Malaysians are doing better than their counterparts in other countries, they should be treated unfairly? Surely this is not the way to build our society?

As for the language-speaking liner, employers are o­nly asking for language-speaking abilities, they are not favouring any race.

Companies in Europe often prefer their applicants who can speak a second European language as they are a boon in a multi-lingual environment.

"I love this country, and I'm sure all Chinese and Indian Malaysians do too. It is as much their country, as the Malay Malaysians'. But they should be made to understand the bumiputera policy. Angry and poor people (especially Malays, when they see other races becoming richer, not because of their skills, but because they are a favoured race) will not tolerate to reasoning. Don't make the Malay Malaysians angry".

This statement shows the writer really does not understand the frustrations among Malaysians. Who are the angry and poor people? Does he mean that the Chinese and Indian Malaysians became rich because they are favoured? Surely, this argument is flawed, to say the least.

All thinking Malaysians are angry because they see an abuse of the ‘special privileges’ when they are given to the undeserving bumiputera. What most Malaysians are proposing is a system fair to everyone. Help and privileges should be given to those in need of a home, food and education, regardless of their race, religion or class.

Although the system needs to be implemented in stages, a change is necessary if we are to build a just and developed society.

Is this so difficult to understand? Wouldn’t it benefit everyone if we strive to upgrade the standard of living for all Malaysians?

I do hope Pro-Assimilation has now grasped the basic concept of the problem we are debating