After reading the article 'Pak Lah, assess real reasons for brain drain' by Mr Wrong, I can't help but pen my two cents worth.

Even after being shipped abroad for almost 20 years, I still love Malaysia. I have never been ashamed of letting people know about my humble nationality.

In fact, many Malaysians abroad owe their success to Malaysia. Having received adequate training from the mamak stalls right up to governmental offices, handling discrimination is a piece of cake.

Had some of my fellow Malaysians with excellent grades been good enough to be admitted into the majors of their choice, they would never have become scholars outside their home ground.

You see, it's the 'high standards' and rejections we faced at home that have made us stronger and more appreciative of what we have today in a foreign land. Had we been pampered and spoonfed by the government, we would never have attained the kind of social status we have today.

Most Malaysians abroad have managed to do Malaysia proud. We are often portrayed as hardworking, intelligent, level-headed, and humble, down-to-earth Asians. Most of us exceed in what we do and in return, are appreciated and rewarded.

It is true that Malaysia has its negative side. Snatch thefts, break-ins and parang-slashing experiences are some of which I can do without. Of course, I am well aware that crime happens in all parts of the world, but I also know the difference between what is occasional, frequent and common.

One need not have to be in the country to contribute to nation building. Think of us abroad as ambassadors, building up the image of Malaysia which sadly enough, is tarnished each time a foreign friend returns after a visit, shrewdly lured by the 'Malaysia, truly Asia' slogan.

I am happy at least to know that the processing rate for paperwork is being acknowledged as normal and that one just need to go through the 'proper channels' to get things done.

In the past, I had always thought that it had something to do with my skin colour.