The changing face of Malaysia
Posted on 30 August 2013 - 03:37am
Last updated on 30 August 2013 - 09:17am
Last updated on 30 August 2013 - 09:17am
Ace Emerson
THE spirit of Merdeka is upon us yet again as Malaysia gets
ready to celebrate 56 years of Independence. There are many reasons why one
feels at home in Malaysia. It is one of the most peaceful countries in the
world, with a stable political environment.
Malaysia is one of the few countries in the world today with a pretty good track record in dealing with a vibrant multiracial and multicultural society.
Over the last decade the landscape has transformed dramatically. New buildings are sprouting like mushrooms. Rain or shine, the city streets and plazas bustle with the pulse and patter of urban life. Technology has become inherently intertwined with daily routines; social networking groups such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc are a norm today.
And regardless of the overwhelming odds, Malaysia has matured into an economic powerhouse boasting an ever-increasing gross domestic product (GDP), sturdy currency, a lower unemployment rate as compared to the US and the EU, and a rich and diverse culture.
With all that Malaysia has to offer, the young professionals in their twenties and thirties are defining themselves as individuals, as members of a community, and as Malaysians bringing with them their skills, idealism and dedication to contribute to a society that is at the forefront of global technology and education. In short, it is our positive 'can do' attitude which lies behind some of our biggest achievements.
Nalini Elumalai, Executive Director of SUARAM
"Today, we are more aware of what is going on in our country thanks to the internet and social media. And we can make choices faster than our predecessors. Our young are more active in bringing about change. They are voicing out their opinions and views. Politics is becoming less of a taboo subject and the younger generation are now more actively involved in politics as compared to the past where people tend to stay away from it. Though I believe that we, the younger generation, should stand up and speak out more instead of just using the internet as an outlet. We need to be brave and demand equal rights for all Malaysians."
Nurul Izzah Anwar, Member of Parliament for Lembah Pantai
"The speed and ease of internet access has influenced the way people think and communicate with one another. Even the simple mobile phone - once only used for SMS and calls is now an important device for social interaction and as a tool for work. If you take the mobile phone away from an urbanite just for one day, I believe that he or she will not be able to function normally. That is how much technology has influenced us all.
"As a digital migrant and a daughter from the years of the Reformasi movement, I am fortunate enough to see the changes in Malaysia's landscape in Kuala Lumpur from squatters to high-rise buildings as well as the transition from greenery to a concrete jungle. Unfortunately, this mental leap has not kept up with the importance of sustainable development. Hence the need to continuously update our thinking and having the necessary political will to manage development so it does not negatively affect our heritage."
Datuk Chua Tee Yong, Member of Parliament for Labis
"The fact that Malaysia has transformed so much in terms of technology, wealth and education in such a short time is a sign of hope. But are we happy as we progress? This question has spurred the government to look into whether this boom includes the well being of our people in terms of living standards and conditions. We are also switching our emphasis to work together in order to ensure the happiness of all Malaysians as we move forward towards greater progress. We aim to implement new ideas in order to instill unity and patriotism among our young by using the tools of today such as the internet and social media, as this is crucial in order for us to progress as a united nation."
Roshan Chandrasekhar of K-Town Klan
"As a musician and entrepreneur, I feel that Malaysia's technology has come a long way. It has made things a lot easier in terms of circulating my music and running a business. Heck, its made things a lot easier for everybody. But even with all the plus points, I deeply feel that the world is moving too fast. We need to slow down and appreciate the simple things in life to maintain a balance."
Yes, as a young country, Malaysia pretty much has everything it takes to be a successful, affluent and democratic country. It all depends on us, on whether we continue to develop a clear and shared vision, uphold a long term commitment to travelling the long road to reform, and refuse to be deterred by the problems that will inevitably arise, then there is no reason why we can't transform our country within a generation.
So as Malaysians, let us continue to work together not just with tolerance, but with respect to better ourselves for the benefit of our people and nation.
http://www.thesundaily.my/news/816723
Malaysia is one of the few countries in the world today with a pretty good track record in dealing with a vibrant multiracial and multicultural society.
Over the last decade the landscape has transformed dramatically. New buildings are sprouting like mushrooms. Rain or shine, the city streets and plazas bustle with the pulse and patter of urban life. Technology has become inherently intertwined with daily routines; social networking groups such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc are a norm today.
And regardless of the overwhelming odds, Malaysia has matured into an economic powerhouse boasting an ever-increasing gross domestic product (GDP), sturdy currency, a lower unemployment rate as compared to the US and the EU, and a rich and diverse culture.
With all that Malaysia has to offer, the young professionals in their twenties and thirties are defining themselves as individuals, as members of a community, and as Malaysians bringing with them their skills, idealism and dedication to contribute to a society that is at the forefront of global technology and education. In short, it is our positive 'can do' attitude which lies behind some of our biggest achievements.
Nalini Elumalai, Executive Director of SUARAM
"Today, we are more aware of what is going on in our country thanks to the internet and social media. And we can make choices faster than our predecessors. Our young are more active in bringing about change. They are voicing out their opinions and views. Politics is becoming less of a taboo subject and the younger generation are now more actively involved in politics as compared to the past where people tend to stay away from it. Though I believe that we, the younger generation, should stand up and speak out more instead of just using the internet as an outlet. We need to be brave and demand equal rights for all Malaysians."
Nurul Izzah Anwar, Member of Parliament for Lembah Pantai
"The speed and ease of internet access has influenced the way people think and communicate with one another. Even the simple mobile phone - once only used for SMS and calls is now an important device for social interaction and as a tool for work. If you take the mobile phone away from an urbanite just for one day, I believe that he or she will not be able to function normally. That is how much technology has influenced us all.
"As a digital migrant and a daughter from the years of the Reformasi movement, I am fortunate enough to see the changes in Malaysia's landscape in Kuala Lumpur from squatters to high-rise buildings as well as the transition from greenery to a concrete jungle. Unfortunately, this mental leap has not kept up with the importance of sustainable development. Hence the need to continuously update our thinking and having the necessary political will to manage development so it does not negatively affect our heritage."
Datuk Chua Tee Yong, Member of Parliament for Labis
"The fact that Malaysia has transformed so much in terms of technology, wealth and education in such a short time is a sign of hope. But are we happy as we progress? This question has spurred the government to look into whether this boom includes the well being of our people in terms of living standards and conditions. We are also switching our emphasis to work together in order to ensure the happiness of all Malaysians as we move forward towards greater progress. We aim to implement new ideas in order to instill unity and patriotism among our young by using the tools of today such as the internet and social media, as this is crucial in order for us to progress as a united nation."
Roshan Chandrasekhar of K-Town Klan
"As a musician and entrepreneur, I feel that Malaysia's technology has come a long way. It has made things a lot easier in terms of circulating my music and running a business. Heck, its made things a lot easier for everybody. But even with all the plus points, I deeply feel that the world is moving too fast. We need to slow down and appreciate the simple things in life to maintain a balance."
Yes, as a young country, Malaysia pretty much has everything it takes to be a successful, affluent and democratic country. It all depends on us, on whether we continue to develop a clear and shared vision, uphold a long term commitment to travelling the long road to reform, and refuse to be deterred by the problems that will inevitably arise, then there is no reason why we can't transform our country within a generation.
So as Malaysians, let us continue to work together not just with tolerance, but with respect to better ourselves for the benefit of our people and nation.
http://www.thesundaily.my/news/816723
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