Regarding the controversy over alleged segregation in schools, I am confused as to what constitutes the best class, the second best class, etc.

Many non-Malay complainants alleged that their children were placed in the second best class even though they came through with flying colours while mediocre Malay Malaysians students were placed in the best class.

If all the best non-Malay students are placed in the second best class and the mediocre Malay students placed in the best class, logic dictates the second best class is in fact the best class while the so-called best class doesn't deserve its status. Assuming, of course, that the best class is filled with mediocre Malay Malaysians and the second best class filled with non-Malay high-flyers.

No matter what the politicians and the government claim, the fact remains that it's the petty bureaucrats who run the show. Even the best of government policies, framed with the noblest of intentions, are worthless so long as they remain on paper. Pointing out the existence of such policies as proof of reality on the ground is really stretching it a little too far.

Another point to consider is that the great majority of the candidates entering teacher training colleges these days are mediocre students themselves. They are there simply because the politics dictates these people must be given a job but at whose and what expense? How can such candidates help turn out good students?

It would be interesting to find out just exactly how many SPM students with Grade A in all their subjects enter teacher training colleges. That should tell us why our school system, armed with one pathetic textbook which is hardly opened and one workbook for the entire year, is going to the dogs. Many teachers cannot manage to do even one essay or karangan a month. Meanwhile, the monthly tests are conducted with papers torn out from workbooks which are easily available in any bookshop.

Is it any wonder that Chinese educationists don't want to have anything to do with the national education system?

Generally, many people are losing faith in the government to do any good. It's the same old story all over the world viz politicians indulging in, what the French say, bluffing, cheating and deceiving. That's the French definition of politics. Rampant corruption and shadow governments complete the picture. The people have little choice because it's the same old story whoever comes to power. Often, it's even the same people who have simply just switched camps.

(Editors Note: This letter was sent two days ago. Todays newspapers reported that Siva had apologised for the misunderstanding he caused between the relevant parties, following the prime ministers request that the matter be put to rest.)