PETALING JAYA, 22 May 2009: Gerakan Youth urged the government to ensure that our youth has equal opportunity to pursue local tertiary education to prevent brain drain.
Its secretary-general Dr Dominic Lau said it was common for top scorers to pursue their tertiary studies overseas because of lack of opportunities in Malaysia.
“Quite often, after graduation, the students do not return home and stay behind to advance their working careers. In this way, our country stands to lose a lot,” Lau said in a statement today.
He added that our students would lose confidence in our education system when they failed to secure government scholarships because they would think their academic achievements were not recognised by their own country.
Lau said everyone should be given an equal opportunity to excel in various fields, notably in education and career, regardless of race and creed.
The Public Service Department (PSD) scholarship controversy have been going on for years. It was sparked again after the names of successful candidates were announced on 8 May and some top scorers were left out.
Subsequently, MCA and MIC called for a review of the selection criteria for the scholarships. Pakatan Rakyat politicians, academics, and former PSD scholars went a step further and urged for a total revamp of the scholarship system today.
Deputy Prime Minister and Education Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin yesterday said that the government may limit the number of subjects students could take at the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) level to ensure fairness in the award of PSD scholarships. 
Cheah Thein Fook says
The Sultan should not leave the Perak state government hanging in the air. Agree to the dissolution of the state assembly presented to him by Nizar and hold a fresh election. So easy. Let the people choose again. That is People Power. Power to the People Again.