The column by Fathi Aris Omar was indeed an interesting read and a timely observation of the acute state of malaise in our so-called institutions of higher learning.

One can see the minute manifestation of this in the weekly 'Bicara Siswa' (RTM), which is expertly being guided by Dr Nordin of the Biro Tata Negara. This programme clearly exposes the fundamental lack of finesse in thinking power among our undergraduates.

It is indeed very disturbing to note that our future as a nation may not be as bright as the glossy brochures being spewed out incessantly by the mass media. It is a big problem that needs a serious shift of priorities and approach that unfortunately may be beyond us today.

In my opinion, the decline in mental capacity can be attributed to three main factors:

1) Lack of interest in intellectual development

What I mean by this is that no one is really interested in this area anymore. Society now is trained and perfected to achieve material possessions while in pursuit of fame and wealth.

Parental and peer pressure to succeed and attain wealth and success have reduced us to a nation incessantly in pursuit of material wealth without acquiring the necessary mental infrastructure to go with it.

Not many read these days, TV programmes are mindless garbage and the media is no better.

While not wishing to be sweeping with my statement, I think we have reached a stage where I really believe we actually celebrate mediocrity under the guise of local achievement. This is why we need Malaysia Book of Records, super brand titles and awards for silly efforts.

Our love affair with intellectual development probably stops at the 'Who wants to be a millionaire?' television game-show. Or cultural heritage is reduced to never ending processions during national celebrations or merely to be seen attending performances by the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra (which is as Malaysia as the Arsenal team is English).

2) Mediocre institutions of higher learning

It is an undeniable fact that our universities are not what they used to be.

The rush by everyone to set up their own university has reduced tertiary institutes to big tuition houses. Inexperienced lecturers and administrative staff are more interested in policing what undergraduates wear, rather than worry about what they read.

How on earth did so many 'universities' mushroom overnight? Political party pressure to create 'ego' universities does not help. This is not too say that all are bad, but overall they stink.

I once had to deal with some university lecturers who were in my workplace supposedly learning the practical way of doing things. Most of them were absolutely pathetic. One of them even used the opportunity to go AWOL a few days. They could not converse to save their life.

The Big Joke? They are teaching our youngsters.

3) Inability to take criticism

This may be the biggest culprit. Everyone generally does not wish to be thrown off the gravy train and would rather keep mum rather than cause offence. The small-mindedness of our leaders is legendary.

We are being brought up in a society where one cannot even contest a political party post without problems. Contests are discouraged for fear of instability. If one contests, then all hell breaks loose.

Just look at the many parties and trades union that are in shambles due to their inability to accept differences of opinion like adults.

For example, some malaysiakini letter writers clearly illustrate their inability to hear others out adequately. Jeff Ooi himself has come in countless criticism for just letting people air their opinions. All this is not good and augers badly for the future.

In this respect, Dot Mai Kembali is spot on. We are slowly being turned into robots without brains and souls. The scary part is that the majority of Malaysians think this is a good development.

Who is to be blamed for this malaise? One cannot blame the masses for not wanting another Iraq or Indonesia scenario in our midst, but leaders must be responsible enough not too dangle the doomsday scenario over voters.

In any case, I do not have the answer to this problem and I suspect not many do either. The future therefore is not bright.