COMMENT | An earlier article proposing that the National Unity Ministry, through its latest advisory council, undertake a comprehensive review of the New Economic Policy (NEP), generated thought-provoking responses from more than a few readers.

Although much of the feedback has been personal, they provide insights into the engrossment and deep interest that the subject, with its myriad ramifications, has for Malaysians and observers from countries that have similar race-based affirmative action programmes.

To summarise the reaction, the majority were critical of the NEP and its failure to achieve what was set up as its “overarching goal of national unity”.

Various reasons were advanced to explain the opposition to the NEP, and details were provided on how and why the failure happened.

Some commentators referred to the research and published material on the NEP that is available on the internet. Others drew on personal experiences to explain their opinions and conclusions.

Underlining the negative responses and pessimism was the...