Merdeka!

As Malaysia attain the age 48 today, it's time again to reflect on our progress and set our focus on the Malaysian Dream - Wawasan 2020.

Some of my thoughts...

Developed nation?
Many seems to equate development to solely economic development. While a lot has been focused on economic development, we are still lagging behind in political and social development. Political structure has not shifted much since independence. Some of the issues debated in the parliament and the behaviour of MPs have shown that we have not attained the maturity level required. There is also still lack of civic consciousness on the roads, lack of regard for the environment and public amenities and unfriendly counter service.

Bangsa Malaysia
Despite numerous effort to promote the Bangsa Malaysia ideology, today most of us are still Malays, Chinese, Indians, Kadazans, Ibans, etc. We even have to indicate this information in most application and entry forms. There is a need for political reform to remove the race-based structure of Barisan Nasional in order to achieve this. We should step out from the shadow of the divide and rule strategy adopted by the British. Bumiputra privelages should also be gradually removed in the 9th Malaysian Plan in order to create a sense of fairness to all, especially to the new generations of Chinese, Indians, etc. who are born on Malaysian soil. The new aim should closing the gaps between the wealthy and the poor, regardless of race and religion. We need to establish a mature, liberal, tolerant and democratic society which permits the fullest participation of the people. Even though we are still a long way from Bangsa Malaysia but let's not lose our optism.

Proton
It was reported today that Proton reported a group pre-tax loss of RM4.3m in the first quarter ending 30 June. After 20 years of struggle, Proton has not been able to mount a challenge in the world auto market as opposed to the younger Hyundai and Kia which have been very successful in United States and many other countries.

Malaysia Boleh!
We seem to concentrate too much on building the tallest flag poles and other similar feats, the latest being Malaysia's First Astronaut Programme. Perhaps we should first concentrate on improving our aeronautical technology and use our own technology rather than the Russians' to send our astronauts into space. There is nothing much to be proud of if we are merely space tourists travelling in foreign space shuttles. All we need is money. The Government should also increase its effort to ensure the success of bio technology initiatives and Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC). Research and Development should be highly encouraged to produce more new technologies locally. Thus far we have been buying a lot of foreign technologies. In order to achieve this, the Government has to work harder to attract many talented Malaysians who are more willing to work overseas due to lack of transparency, equality and opportunities locally.

Waving flags, singing negaraku may be signs of patriotism, but Malaysians need to look beyond these actions to acheive Vision 2020.

Selamat Hari Merdeka!