MELBOURNE, April 27 -- About 200 Malaysian students gathered at Melbourne University for the first MASCA Annual Debate (MAD) 2010, on the topic ÒMalaysia has failed to progress since the inception of New Economic PolicyÓ.From left, Co-Project Manager Eddie Lee, Secretary of Think Tank Pith Soh Beh, Debater Ronald Li, Debater Noor Leena, Debater Haerris Riani, Moderator Khoo Woon Hann, Debater Sri Athiyan, Julie Ngai and Debater Shamir Hameed (back row).The affirmative team comprise Julie Ngai from Negeri Sembilan, Shamir Hameed, Penang and Sri Athiyan, Johor.They said the NEP discriminated against and unfairly treated Malaysians who were excluded from the policy.ÒBumiputras are given too much privileges. That is why they are not driven and motivated to work harder, resulting in more Bumiputras being unemployed as opposed to non-Bumiputras.Ó said Shamir who is pursuing a degree in Advertising at RMIT University here.-- fotoBERNAMA COPYRIGHT RESERVED

photographed by: Neville D'Cruz