As a Member of Parliament and Minister in government, my main preoccupation was the advancement of pro-poor policies and commensurate actions. So, I pushed for policies to ensure the neediest are the obvious beneficiaries of bursaries and scholarships, affirmative action for the poor to join the best high schools and university courses, and an employment quota for graduates of the most disadvantaged schools and regions of the country and for girls and women. My stands often got me into trouble with some of my colleagues in government and the business community, who often confuse privilege for merit. I also advocate for bringing universities close to the people to cut costs and expand enrollment for the poor, who can now walk, cycle, or take public transport to university.