Let me comment on the letter from BlueRider on special rights

BlueRider talks about the social contract made during the Independence era when the 'special rights' was accepted as an interim measure to allow the bumiputeras to close the economic gap with the non-Malays.

This was particularly due to the perception that British colonial policy had allowed the non- Malays more room for economic pursuits and had left the rural Malays largely untouched in the agricultural sector and that they, the Malays, needed some time to be exposed to the other sectors. The understanding was that the privilege would be for a limited time only.

If the policies adopted by the Malaysian government(s) have given rise to only a portion of the bumiputeras enjoying the fruits of the privileges while a large portion are still lagging behind, the national leaders must be held responsible.

This also can become a ploy to cling on to the privileges. But how long will it take for the bumiputeras to feel confident enough to compete equally with the others? The present generation will never want to give up the privileges as it gives them an easier life in practically all areas.

One would feel that the well-educated bumiputeras will be able to comprehend the negative impact of these special rights on the attitude and stance of their own mass and will want to do away with them.

This will come only when the educated bumiputeras are confident of themselves. Confidence will only come when one competes on an equal footing and wins. When one wins with an advantage given, then there will be no confidence.

In short, bumiputeras who have come to believe that they can only compete with the non-Malays with special rights and privileges, will psychologically be averse to any mention of being deprived of such privileges.

For them, it is immaterial whether such privileges are not benefitting all bumiputeras, or whether they are blatantly used for political mileage by the unscrupulous politicians.

I am resigned to the fact that this state of affairs will continue to remain no matter how unjust or bitter one may feel. As long as the government of the day has plans to help the equally poor and underprivileged non-bumiputeras in their plight for a decent life, they will continue to grow without even taking notice of the special privileges of others.

But my concern as a Malaysian is that one significant section of the community will be low in its self-confidence. If that section of the community wants to stay on at that stage of its development forever, despite knowing the deterring factor, it is its own choice.

The others have become used, and have even become immune, to the system. They will emerge as the more confident and efficient section of the Malaysian community. This section of the community will be ahead due to its perseverance and resolve, despite the obstacles.

This will continue to irk the complacent privileged sector of our community, as is abundantly evident in BlueRider's views.