I feel a short response is warranted to A Parent's letter, MIC manipulated debate on English use.

Firstly, let me say that I have no affinity to the MIC and politics in my mind remains the last refuge of the scoundrel. That being said, the plight of the Indians in Malaysia is a sad one — while the politicians talk about how far we have progressed, the poor Indians remain in the estates with little improvement from the subsistence wages of old.

If we are honest about it, the other races see us as a soft touch and without self-respect — marginalised and increasingly into crime. On the other hand the educated, professional Indian community grows from strength to strength.

The point is this — the only way Indian Malaysians are going to lift themselves up out of the plight they are in is by self-improvement. The politicians cannot do it for us even if they really want to. I believe we can use English to help us help ourselves.

Regardless of whether the MIC manipulated the debate on English use, the letter writer has not given one reason why he or she is opposing the teaching of Science and Mathematics in English.

Is he/she aware that it is the Indian brain power that is now driving the IT industry in Silicon Valley and in places like the Cambridge Technology Park in the UK. What language do you think these bright and successful people are using for programming purposes? My guess is that its not Tamil.

The realities of an increasing global world cannot be ignored — however this does not mean we are not proud of our ancient culture, religion and language.

I am a successful Indian working as a professional in London. I come from a poor background but I was brought up to believe that self-improvement is the key to success. This included mastering English and Malay which have not caused me to lose out on my 'Indian-ness' — indeed I believe the reverse is true as its has helped me read a million articles about my religion, my history, philosophy, science, arts and nature.

Because of this I am confident in my abilities and can look anyone in the eye in any discussion they may wish to have — in English, Malay or Tamil.

Like it or not the language of learning in today's world is English — we should take its introduction in Malaysia as an opportunity and not view any change with suspicion or fear.

If there is opposition to it, let's discuss what these may be in an open and honest manner. We should not cloud the issue with emotion and irrelevant arguments that have no substance. I look forward to hearing what is the main crux of the opposition to having these two subjects being taught in English in all Malaysian schools.