IN the 1980s, Malaysia was one of the Asian tigers and have we now turned into a pet cat – weak and easily fatigued.
The expanding economy was enough for everybody and life was good. There were no fake news, no hate messages, high levels of confidence and racial and religious conflicts were rare. Could it be because there was no social media?
The other tigers were Thailand, the Philippines and Indonesia. Our level of development was better and joining the league of Singapore or South Korea was not too far.
Then came the regional financial crisis of 1997. Our economy was badly affected coupled with political confrontation a year later. The government of the day suppressed dissidents and cronyism and corruption began to show its ugly head.
The economic wound did not really heal even after two changes of prime minister. The glory of the past is gone. During that time China rose and even Vietnam is now forging forward.
An article from the University of Greenwich Business School investigated the causal relationship between financial development and economic growth for Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, China, India and Singapore for the period between 1979 and 2009. The results suggest that in the case of the rest, financial development leads to economic growth. However, for Malaysia, financial development does not seem to cause economic growth.
Now we are stuck with the excesses of the previous government and finding it difficult to find a way out. Apart from inexperienced ministers, daily politicking seems to be the order of the day.
Most YBs are not seen as our elected representatives and are making decisions contrary to the wishes of the people and worse, jostling for positions. We will be seeing a new group of “fat cats”. High cost of living is hard on the B40 and some M40 but the fat cats will barely notice a dip in their bank accounts.
Forget about fulfilling manifesto, there are similarities then and now.
The flavour of the day apart from infighting in a political party is the date for the present prime minister (PM) to step down. Actually, it has been the flavour for more than a year. It seems there was a promise. But that promise was between a few people. How about the promise to the 33 million people in the manifesto? Does it mean the next PM can fulfil it and bring in foreign direct investments in droves?
One of the criteria international investors consider when making a decision is political stability. If there is political infighting, and mainstream media showing an overdose of politicking, we will be bypassed these investors.
Dirty laundry will be aired in public when there are open fights and the one heralded as the next PM will have to carry the baggage and may be cast aside like dirty laundry, too.
No matter what their supporters have to say, it is a matter of “menang sorak kampung tergadai”.
It will be prudent if everyone comes back to their senses and think about the social and economic future of the country and not about individuals who come and go. It is how one will be remembered and not who to be remembered.
The people would like to hear your roar for the benefit of the country. Or else, after the 15th general election, from the fringes, you will only meow like a domesticated cat.
What say you… – December 11, 2019.
* Saleh Mohammed reads The Malaysian Insight.
* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.
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Comments
1) race, 2) religion, 3) which political party they are from, 4) which political leader they support (cronyism or cartel)
So, NEVER based on criteria of capability, competency, integrity, intelligence and so on .... !!!!
Even idiots and morons were selected if they ticked the correct boxes!
How to compete with other countries which selected their best people?
Posted 4 years ago by Malaysian First · Reply
During the 1980's, many vehicle manufacturers wanted to set up production in Malaysia. But TDM, to protect Proton and his cronies (mainly Malay) parts suppliers, refused to grant them permission.
Thus they "cabut" and set up in Thailand instead and now the country is one of the largest vehicles exporter in Asia ranking with Japan and Korea. (China production is mainly for domestic consumption.)
Besides providing employment, tax revenue and upgrading the standard of living for employees .... that is Malaysia's loss!!!
(This is one of many instances TDM's racism impeded Malaysia There are many others.)
Posted 4 years ago by Malaysian First · Reply
Posted 4 years ago by Elyse Gim · Reply
How times had changed. Now Vietnam had overtaken Malaysia in development!
Posted 4 years ago by Malaysian First · Reply
Posted 4 years ago by Elyse Gim · Reply
Posted 4 years ago by Citizen Pencen · Reply
Posted 4 years ago by Mindy Singh · Reply
But it is the 21st century, and you cannot run a country like you are still in the 90s, especially with a feudal mindset. You can lament the majority rakyat still harbor feudal loyalty (or perhaps that argument is merely a political rhetoric), but as leader, it is your job to lead the nation away from what's holding it back.
We saw this with the BN govt; it only knew how to govern by using rule and divide. The present govt hasn't done much to do away with that approach, despite the fact that within its ranks, are those who used to stand up for justice and equality. Must be the intoxicating scent of power in the halls of Putrajaya.
Posted 4 years ago by Rock Hensem · Reply