I cannot but agree with Bumi Entreprenuer on how the NEP has been used by vested interests to benefit themselves. Had there been checks and balances these could have been checked.

However, with the OSA, Printing Presses and Publications Act and other measures, it was a field day for many. They still continue to take advantage and make more money, and then look around as though nothing wrong has been happening.

Otherwise, how can one explain the position of a minister who now says that the APs should be abolished. Surely anyone with some common sense would have realised that at issue was the provision of APs to a select few.

This is itself is grossly unfair for the amount raked in ran into billions of ringgit. Such a situation should have been corrected so that a wider base of entrepreneurs could have benefitted. Come another 10 Umno general meetings and nothing would have changed unless they have the political will and resolve to open up space for critical comment and give the ACA independence and courage. Greed is a serious weakness under the present economic system.

Many of them are poor also because they live beyond their means - they are victims of greed. When money can be made easily through licences and permits, then it opens itself to flagrant abuse. The issue is not what race you belong but how do you deal with greed.

No race can take the moral high ground but in a situation where special benefits are extended then that race will have to ensure that things are above board so that the policies attain the goals that they were envisaged for.

The nexus between money and politics in Malaysia has been well documented with prime ministers even crying over this issue. What is the point about crying when one does not have the courage to make the ACA independent?

Without the political will, more disclosures will only embarrass Umno until they pay attention to the growth needed in systems, institutions and checks and balances. How much attention has the government paid to the Auditor-General's report ?

Unless action is taken we will move from one AP scandal to another scandal only to be followed by another. When are we going to learn and make a change for the better?