I read with delight the announcement by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong that next year's presidential election will be reserved for candidates from the Malay community ("S'pore's next president set to be Malay"; yesterday).

I applaud the Government for its courage in pushing through such a sensitive and controversial subject.

As a Singaporean Chinese, I am proud to know that when we pledge "regardless of race, language or religion", we really mean it.

Everyone, including someone from a minority race, can run for and assume the highest office in Singapore.

I was a child when Mr Yusof Ishak served as our first president. He was a great man and a great president.

I look forward to the day when another of our Malay brethren assumes the highest office in Singapore.

Patrick Tan Siong Kuan