When Singapore and Malaysia went their separate ways several decades ago, both were more or less on par from the economic point of view. The currencies of both countries were also on par back then.
In terms of resources, no one can deny that Malaysia has much more than Singapore. Malaysia has the size, crude oil, agriculture, and almost everything else—you name it, and Malaysia has more than Singapore.
Yet after a few decades, Singapore has gone so far ahead. Its currency is worth more than double than that of the Ringgit. How come?
Are Singaporeans really cleverer than Malaysians?
Obviously there are many factors that would contribute to the success of a country. But I think one significant factor is whether or not that country is able to tap into its resources—whether it is able to realise the full potential of its strength.
In Singapore, people with big potential are groomed by the government for the future generation. These are the people who would contribute back to the nation in time to come. If one has great potential, it doesn't really matter whether he is a Malay, Chinese or Indian. If he is the best among the best, the potential will very likely be realised for the benefit of the country.
In Malaysia a lot of people with great potential are wasted—unless of course if they are connected to someone like the Prime Minister or others holding high office in the ruling government. Brilliant people like this boy would be lucky if he can end up taking over his father's business as a hawker. Quite a great waste of potential—he might have it in him to become a heart surgeon, or find a cure for AIDS.
That's why I am so happy when the new Penang administration announced the state will be free of the New Economic Policy (NEP). I am confident that it will lead to a brighter future for the state.
In my opinion, the NEP has hampered the progress of Malaysia all these years. The policy which was originally intended to redistribute the wealth and affirmative action for the Bumiputeras to have at least 30% of the country's wealth; but in the end, only some Bumiputeras enjoyed the benefits. The ordinary Bumiputeras in the street received little, if any, benefits from the policy.
It is time for us to do some catching up. Let us all work as Malaysians to bring up this country for a better future!
1 comment:
Oh! I forgot to add:
Chan Kok Fei,
Congratulations for your fine achievements. Don't worry too much. Now that your story has been published in a major paper, it will be just a matter of time when some political parties, seeking political mileage, will come forward to help you with scholarships etc.
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