(Petaling Jaya, Thursday): DAP wishes to extend the heartfelt congratulations to internationally-renowned actress and Ipoh-born Datuk Michelle Yeoh for receiving France’s highest civilian honour.  According to an Associated Press report on Tuesday quoting French Foreign Ministry officials, the former Bond girl is to receive the Legion of Honour award in an October 3 ceremony in Kuala Lumpur. 

The Legion of Honour, or the National Order of the Legion of Honour, was established in 1802 by former French leader Napolean Bonaparte. There is also a quota for the number of holders at any one time. Yeoh shot to stardom in Chinese action movies and leapt to international fame in the 1997 James Bond movie Tomorrow Never Dies and Ang Lee’s 2000 kung fu hit Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.  

This is a singular honour for a Malaysian to be accorded international recognition, not from any ordinary developing country but from a developed country like France, that prides itself as the leader of fine culture, refinement and good taste. Questions will naturally be asked why Malaysia fails to value the achievements of its citizens that are recognised by developed countries like France. Are other factors of race or religious background involved. 

What is the point of spending RM 12 billion in the 2008 Budget for the Higher Education Strategic Plan to produce highly knowledgeable and first-class human capital as well as develop world-class higher education institutions when the basic condition of merit and performance is not complied?  

No non-bumi Vice-Chancellor has been appointed to any of the 17 public universities despite their academic excellence and leadership ability. Appointing one non-bumi Deputy Vice-Chancellor recently in does not count as they are only one of the 4 Deputy Vice-Chancellors, with the remaining 3 bumis. Furthermore only 4 public universities out of 17 public universities are appointing one non-bumi Deputy Vice-Chancellor. 

The Malaysian government should learn from Michelle Yeoh’s achievements and adopt policies that provide equal opportunities and treasure talented Malaysians like Datuk Michelle Yeoh who have proven that there are many Malaysians who can be global champions without government assistance.