Our higher institutions of learning are becoming more like institutions of listening with political appointees to run them and the implementation of the UUCA and 'Akujanji' pledges. Without freedom of thought, creative thinking and the input of excellent lecturers, it is unlikely that students can excel in whatever fields of study.

Missionary schools, which used to be run with a certain autonomy by church representatives, used to excel in producing outstanding students. Since they become national schools, their results have been mediocre.

Now we are even considering whether to allow local students to join international schools meant for expatriate children because of their high standards. If only missionary schools were allowed to continue their good work and there was no relegation of the English language, our educational standards would have been maintained.

If Malaysia continues to harp on its Malay Agenda as top priority, we shall continue to be mediocre in every field. This is not to say that Malays cannot be excellent, but it should be the Malaysian Agenda with an emphasis on meritocracy regardless of race. In time, the Malays will excel without any need for special privileges.

The current CEO's vacancy in MAS is a good example to see if the government continues its Malays-only policy to fill top vacancies in government-linked companies (GLCs).

The proper way is to have a professional head-hunting organisation to look for the right person. One of their targets should be SIA chief, Dr Cheong Choong Kong, who happens to be a Malaysian. Find out how much he is paid and whether he is willing to help Malaysia with his experience and expertise.

But, of course, some will not allow this common-sense approach to solve this problem.

The mere mention that a foreigner could be considered as a candidate to manage MAS brought the usual protests from the Umno Youth leader. Our racialist policy ensures that most, if not all, top positions in GLCs have to be filled by Malays. From a head-hunting point of view, this has drastically reduced the number of potential candidates.

Before considering a foreigner for the position in MAS, there is no mention at all whether there are any suitable non-Malay candidates. This typical mind set has been - and will be - the main stumbling block towards developed status for our country. Good Malaysian managers are overlooked here but they were welcomed by other countries.

What our country needs is a clear national policy of meritocracy when selecting candidates to manage our GLCs. It should be results-orientated, transparent and without political interference.

If a capable person is in charge and he is producing results, I cannot see why others would be jealous even if he were to be paid a highly competitive remuneration package. Leave the selection to professional head-hunters.