Scholarships for good SPM results & non-racial policies in all sectors.

DAP National Deputy Chairman and MP for Kepong Dr Tan Seng Giaw reiterates that only with non-racial policies in all sectors will more talented Malaysians remain in the country, otherwise certain countries may be more attractive.

Some well-qualified people feel happy overseas. Others may be frustrated.

The attitude of some Government leaders must be changed. Whenever they see high achievers leaving the country, they straightaway say good riddance as the latter are assumed to be disloyal to Malaysia. Hence, the Government should investigate how widespread is this ridiculous attitude and attempt to change it.

Dr Tan comments on 26.8.2007 concerning the intention of the Higher Education Minister Datuk Mustapha to set up a scholarship scheme for excellence for students with straight A1's in Malaysian Education Certificate (SPM) including making sure that at least 30% post-SPM scholarship holders continue their education in the country.

Every year, over 80,000 and more than 130,000 students respectively enter public and private institutes of higher education. Thousands further their studies overseas. Owing to various factors, many good graduates within the country work overseas and those overseas do not return. Certain people feel that this is a good thing, as they will eventually come home. The Government must study the real reasons for Malysians with excellent results to remain overseas.

Yesterday, Datuk Mustapha said:"This new scheme of scholarships called scholarships for excellence will be non-racial, offering SPM students with straight A1's and active in co-curricular activities to apply. It is expected that 2007 SPM students will be the first batch to benefit."

We hope that the scholarships committee being set up will be truly professional, awarding scholarships to deserving students fairly and justly.

Since time immemorial, brian drain occurs. Those areas that can retain and attract talents prosper; those that lose good people become backward. After finding out the true reasons for talented Malaysians of all races to leave this country, the Government must institute non-racial policies in all sectors. Otherwise, it will be much ado about nothing.

Dr Tan Seng Giaw