Mr Lim's statement is particularly unsettling, and could represent an ominous sign for ethnic relations in Malaysia. The NEP, which was conceived in the aftermath of the May 13, 1969, race riots, has its roots in the wake of the mass migration of the Chinese and Indians to Malaya during British rule. It then became obvious that the Malays, who constituted a large proportion in the rural areas, were lagging behind their non-Malay counterparts economically and educationally. The NEP was meant to rectify this imbalance by giving them preferential treatment in the awarding of scholarships and government contracts, among others.

However, the NEP now has come to be seen by some Malays as being misused by certain politicians for their own benefit. Cronyism and corruption become the order of the day. Needless to say, the Chinese and Indian communities are unhappy with the discriminatory effect the scheme has on them.

I feel that the bumiputera policy in Malaysia must one day be eliminated but the impetus for change should come from the Malays themselves, in line with the essential spirit of self-reliance that is to be imbued so that they can compete with their non-Malay counterparts on a level playing field with confidence and pride. The stakes are indeed high.

Mr Lim's populist approach in making the comment does not in any way contribute to Malaysia's social stability. His words are, in fact, seen as provocative by many Malays. Every effort should not be spared in preventing a repeat of the May 1969 race riots. Such an event could have serious repercussions in the region, and Singapore might not be safe from its spillover effects.

Muhammad Farouq Osman