The Sad Irony Of Bumi Folks Don T See Brain Drain As National Woe But More As Good Riddance

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Letter to Editor
IF THERE is one thing that highlights the deep schisms in Malaysian society, it is how the issue of the brain drain is viewed by different ethnic groups.
The non-Bumiputera segment of the populace will see the massive numbers leaving these shores for better prospects elsewhere as a serious problem to nation-building.
The best talent is being siphoned off to the detriment of our overall welfare as highlighted by the shortages in the healthcare sector.

By and large, our Malay brethren – though – do NOT see it that way. In fact, whenever this subject is broached with my rightist Type M friends and colleagues, most see it as more proof of non-Bumiputera lacking patriotism. The underlying sentiment is one of “good riddance”.
The general feel is as if such an exodus reflects success in their quest to re-claim Tanah Melayu from these ingratiates.
There are also those who will be secretly relieved that they will not have to compete with these individuals who are good enough to be head-hunted overseas.
Jumping into conclusion
This highly different perspectives were aptly highlighted by a post on X by Roman Akramovic (@syedakramovic) which referenced an article in Free Malaysia Today (FMT) citing an already emigrated lady that the door should not be slammed shut on those who left Malaysia.

Imagine without further ado, the pro-Madani influencer insinuated that the now Singapore citizen has regretted giving up her Malaysian nationality, hence the stinging one-liner – “Guess the greener grass you were chasing turned out to be patchy weeds”.

The former Johorean was not asking to come home. In fact, she made it abundantly clear that in her case, the grass is not just greener but very lush and verdant as well.
The now Singapore citizen was only offering her two sen worth that viable policies are put in place to enable Malaysia to tap this huge reservoir of talent that it had produced in the first place.

Such sentiments were also repeated in the many comments, highlighting the prevailing perspective that those who leave are just ungrateful and unpatriotic.


Still in denial
The many comments of a similar ilk underline the seemingly disparity in thinking – that the Bumiputera community does not see the brain drain as a national problem.
Foremost in their mind is that there will be many who can fill the vacancies, especially from their own talent pool. This is despite of the great shortage in areas such as healthcare where the very best talent is being tempted away to the detriment of ALL Malaysians.
As it is, the lack of opportunities and unequal distribution of rights such as entry into public universities are driving people away from this fair land.

It is indeed mind-boggling that such mindset of non-Malays being unpatriotic and ungrateful – or ever ready to abandon ship at a moment’s notice – still persists.
I do wonder what the response would be if the shoe was on the other foot when you and your children are denied equal opportunities in business, employment and education.
Until our Malay brethren recognise the fallacy with this viewpoint, Malaysia is in a real danger of being left behind not just by Singapore but other rising ASEAN nations which value meritocracy and are only too happy to welcome talented and industrious workers trained in Malaysia. 
Former Citizen
Ho Chi Minh City
Vietnam
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of  MMKtT.
- Focus Malaysia.

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