I write this in reply to Famaliza's letter, [#1]Malays should make the most of special rights[/#] (Dec 15).

Again, I say, why do we need special rights? Are we mentally-challenged that we need to have special rights bestowed on us?

Hasn't the time come for meritocracy and equal rights for all? Slackers, in whatever clothing and colour, should be summarily dispensed with.We do not need the added insult of according certain slackers preferential treatment on account of their being a member of some exalted club ... the "special rights" club.

Furthermore, I do not agree that only us Malays and the native Malaysians are of Bumiputra seed. All of us Malaysians who were born and bred in Malaysia, irrespective of race, religion and skin colour, should be accorded this right.

A true Malaysian Malaysia will be one where manifest democracy reigns and a system based on equal rights and equal opportunity, where all men and women are judged on their merits, capabilities and qualifications, and not, for example, on their looks, sexual orientation, hair colour, financial background or heritage.

Democracy must not only be preached but must be seen to be practised in all aspects of our society.