TK Chua
3:46pm Thu Jan 30th, 2003

Thanks to Umno Youth's action, I am reading malaysiakini o­nce again. o­n the same issue, I have two points, which I hope are acceptable for publication.

First, what is the purpose of an affirmative programme? Is it intended to make the poor less poor or is it aimed at making the already rich, richer.

It is my fervent belief that public policy can o­nly help the poor and the marginalised. When it exists to enrich the already well-to-do, there will be no end to greed, frustration and envy, no matter which community. Who among us do not aspire to own a Mercedes or live in a plush bungalow?

If I do not own o­ne or live in o­ne, am I supposed to feel perfectly magnanimous to support and help those who are already rich to have them? An affirmative action programme is public policy and public policy can o­nly help poor people, and not make people rich, period.

Second, why do you think Umno Youth is so agitated by Petrof’s letter? Precisely, because the criticism was directed at the rich and those in positions who help themselves to privileges accorded to the community. Frankly, I wonder if the outburst by Umno Youth would be of the same magnitude if Petrof's letter was criticising the poor Malay farmers receiving fertiliser subsidies or labourers' children receiving scholarships.

In other words, helping the rich and those in positions have other undesired consequences. Because they are rich and powerful, they will reinforce and perpetuate the programme in total oblivion of views and aspiration of others.