In your article Meritocracy system politisied from the start :critics (May 30), it was stated: "What subsequently appeared in the media (until several newspapers were 'told' to play down the issue) was certainly a nightmare for the ministry and its officer-in-charge."

If we are sincere about putting back meritocracy into our education system, we should have an open debate on it to discuss the many issues plaguing it. The authorities should not ask the media to "play it down".

Our educationists should show the meritorious example by handling the issue intelligently. The powers that be should not gag the media and hush up everyone who wish to air their views.

Unless meritocracy is open and fair, the government may as well be honest about it and admit what we have is only 'mediocrity' and not 'meritocracy'.