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August 30, 2005
Happy Birthday, Malaysia - a view from a foreigner
Happy Birthday, Malaysia. Tomorrow, you turn 48. Not too long to go and you reach half a century of independence from the British Colonial Rule. Time to reflect, isn't it, especially, since the mid-life crises is in full swing?
There are a lot of things that you have done well, considering all that could have gone wrong.
Actually, you achieved quite a lot. The time you were born, a lot of other countries reached their independence too. Some sooner, some later, but it was this wave after the Second World War, that "freed" (if I may say so) a lot of countries. Often, it was because the ruled realised that the rulers are not that great at all. And the ruler were pretty weak at that time, after the Second World War.
Many countries failed over the years after their independence. Many countries, especially in my beloved Africa. I say beloved, because Africa is, where my first dreams belonged to, after my graduation from university and even before.
Many other countries succeeded, especially those in Asia, that frequently went straight up economically from economically backward countries to economic powerhouses. I think of Korea, when I say this, because about 50 or 60 years back, they were one poor country with annual per-capita income of about US$60. Compare this with what they have reached today.
You, Malaysia, did well as well. You started your journey pretty poor with high level of poverty. A pure agricultural country. But you had a dream, and managed to put in achievable goals. And slowly, but steadily, you moved up the ranks. Okay, there were setbacks - May 1969 was one, but this is nothing compared to the major setback that hit Indonesia at the same time, when 100s of thousands of people were slaughtered.
You managed well to get through a civil war, and started to build up an industrial basis. Proton, with all the criticism that is blasted against the country, is one on those companies that hold your spirit high. And despite all those critics that booh Proton nowadays, I believe there was a great sense of pride the day, Proton was born. But there are other examples. What about the Perodua's, the Sime Darby's, the Ranhill's, Air Asia and so on. Sure, there was corruption and a lot of failure - think of the Renong saga, and the ongoing discussion about MAS. But so what. This is the growing up pain, isn't it?
You managed to float through the economic crisis of the end-1990s, against the will of international forces and advise - I have IMF and Worldbank in my mind.
A recent wind of change is blowing through the land as well. There are voices and noises that, again, argue and criticise. Some more rational, some less. They - whoever they are - act to what they know, and how they see it.
But listen carefully - Malaysia, you have come a long way. Looking around at the rest of the world, you and many other countries in Asia have shown, that the way out from poverty to becoming a global player is possible. Against many prophecies and many doomsday advocates, you always focused on your goal.
Keep on going. It is great, as a foreigner, to be part of this success. To be able to build the nation. To contribute, share, cry and enjoy, when things go well or not so well. Thank you, Malaysia, for allowing me to be part of you.
Posted by Andreas at August 30, 2005 07:52 PM
Comments
Congrats on getting the job! There should be more people like you around who are passionate about what they do. Hope you have a relaxing merdeka day!
Posted by: chasyss at August 31, 2005 04:16 PM
Hi Andreas
WOW! Nice insights. You made me proud to be a Malaysian! Have a nice holiday to you.
Posted by: lilian at August 30, 2005 08:26 PM