Discriminatory Policies

Discriminatory policies in tertiary education‏

By : Noel F. D’Oliveiro

One is appalled to read in the newspapers about brilliant students being denied places and scholarships to pursue tertiary education in universities of their choice.

Discriminatory policies result in the best of our brains seeking greener pastures elsewhere where fairer educational opportunities and financial aid packages are made available to them, and we end up losers. Discrimination is a myth of an era long gone.

The authorities should run a check on how many students in universities abroad are Malaysians rejected by our local education system.

Many, over the years, have spoken about the pernicious effects of brain drain. Much criticism has been heard to describe the debilitating effects of this problem. However, not enough has been done to reverse it and so the hemorrhage continues.

When fairness of a level playing field is taken away migration is one of the many alternatives.

Brain drain has major implications for development of the country in the long run. Accumulation of huge deficits in manpower could lead to colossal loss in terms of earning power and quality of life in our country. If the problem is not addressed it will lead to the stalling of government efforts to develop the country.

These academic superstars should be given encouragement and incentives to stay rooted in this country

There should be a policy initiative that transcends political and racial persuasions to attract bright individuals whose talents, when honed, can be placed at the disposal of all our people and that of national development.

Our country, the producer of brilliant minds, will not long survive if we do not redirect the resources of our high achievers homewards.