On inequality/privilege: the recent discussion resonates strongly with this book I've read: Michael Sandel's Tyranny of Merit. I'll highlight the key ideas here. TLDR: meritocracy & glorifying top educational institutions breeds resentment which in turn bleeds into politics.

1. We glorify Oxford, ivy leagues, etc. Success = these schools. Problem is 2/3rds of students in all Ivy League schools are from the top 20%. That desperation manifests in things like the 2019 admissions scandal, where parents paid millions in bribes to get their kids admitted.

2. That's not to mention the other more subtle advantages this section in society has like SAT/GRE prep classes, engaging in upper-class sports like lacrosse/polo, or not having to worry about obligations to the family because they're provided for.

3. The problem is when you present to the lower & middle classes that attaining that success is within your reach. Some succeed w an insane amount of effort and luck. Most don't. Here's where meritocracy tells them "ah, you could have succeeded too if only you worked harder".

4. All that does is create division. Sandel links this to resentment in the US/UK which led to the election of Donald Trump/Boris Johnson, both who appealed to the lower-middle by telling them they've lost out in the system that rewards only a few.

5. Anyone ignoring that will repeat the same mistakes. For them to have a shot, the lower-middle class needs to know what they're up against. Not be told condescendingly that they too can make it if they work harder. Calling this concern hate is an absolute slap in the face.

6. Privilege is raising ur CGPA while some deliver grab food to pay tuition fees. Spending ur summers in McD to upgrade from a diet of instant maggi.

You can be smart & hardworking to many & privileged. Malaysians have a right to that kind of honesty from their future leaders.