| Sports |
Malaysia united in prosperity
I REFER to the article by Brian
Gomez, “Malaysia at 50, a nation divided” (Sept 5). The High
Commission feels that the article does not paint a correct
picture about Malaysia. Therefore, I wish to set the record
straight.
Malaysia had recently concluded its 50th Merdeka Day on Aug 31.
Unlike Independence Day celebrations of many nations, Malaysia
does not have to pay tributes to slain warriors. Thanks to the
wisdom of our earlier leaders, who chose diplomacy and
negotiations to achieve independence, instead of “wielding
arms”.
The unique system of power sharing between the various ethnic
communities in the country has contributed to Malaysia’s success
in achieving the present level of political stability and
prosperity.
Malaysia survived and thrived by marrying idealism and
pragmatism in its nation-building philosophy, policies and
development programmes, and by turning its diversity into
pillars of strength in nation-building efforts. Malaysia’s
experience in nation-building has been endorsed and recognised
as a role-model for some developing nations.
The aim of the New Economic Policy was to eradicate poverty,
irrespective of race and religious beliefs as well as to
restructure the economy in order to eliminate the ethnicity
identification with economic function, a legacy left by our
colonial administration.
The policy was endorsed by the coalition government of Barisan
Nasional which represents Malaysians of all ethnic groups and
beliefs.
The writer’s statement on the corruption situation in Malaysia
is overly and grossly exaggerated. We agree that corruption is a
menace. Like in any other countries, there are problems of
corruptions.
However, the Malaysian authorities have resorted to various
preventive and prosecution measures. A number of cases have been
prosecuted in courts and the authorities are determined to
continue their efforts to eradicate the scourge.
On numerous occasions, the Malaysian government has allocated
land to build places of worship for all religion.
Being a multi-racial and religious country, the government is
duty bound to take into consideration the feelings and
sentiments of all races and not allow for illegally built
structures to sprout on any empty plot of land, especially in
housing estates.
Therefore, the writer’s insinuation that non-Muslims are facing
difficulties, “if not impossible, for many religions to set up
many places of worship” is completely untrue.
For your information, the world’s third largest reclining Buddha
statue can be found in Penang, Malaysia, while the world’s
tallest Lord Murugan statue is in Batu Caves, Malaysia.
The Malaysian government would always adhere to pragmatism in
nation-building efforts. We are confident that our tolerance and
adherence to the well-tested power-sharing arrangements would
enable Malaysia to successfully overcome the many future
challenges and to continuously develop and prosper.
Despite being a relatively “young” country, we are heading
towards a developed nation status, which we have set out to
achieve in 2020, through our “Vision 2020”.
Zainal Izran Zahari
Acting High Commissioner
High Commission of Malaysia
Port Moresby
 
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