Malaysia, a Unique Country

Some call it special, some call it extraordinary, some even call it unparalleled, which all
comes down to just one thing – unique. Many define unique as possessing rare abilities or
being that typical one-in-a-million prodigy. No matter how small, how tall, or how rich one is,
everyone has that special something which others are unable to offer. That is Malaysia. What
you see Malaysia as in today is just the tip of the iceberg, with tons of gemstones still
undiscovered.

Even how uniquely Malaysia appears as on the world map is incomparable to herself. There
is nowhere else on Earth which features a potato (Peninsular Malaysia) and a seashell
(Borneo) sandwiching a big blot of mayonnaise (South China Sea). The quasi-static
movement of tectonic plates has eventually shaped Malaysia into a bowl, perhaps a so-called
money pot. Located right along the Sea Road, which connects the Mediterranean and China,
Malaysia herself will undeniably be the center of attraction for economic development.
Considering China’s recent One-Belt-One-Road initiative, this will further advocate
Malaysia’s role as a facilitator of the global economy. 60 years of independence has gave
birth to Malaysia’s endless innovation, starring modernized world-class laboratories equipped
with some of the finest facilities, and a productive highly educated workforce ready at its
disposal. Hands down, Malaysia is unarguably a country so unique like no place else.

Understanding that Malaysia is strategically located for international trade, early dominance
and imperialism by European powers in the 18th century has brought to the dawn of a new
age – a Malaysian era, when citizens are of diverse ethnicities. Back then, the British ignited
a metamorphosis in the development of the Malay Peninsula, politically, economically and
socially. The vibrant implementation of various policies such as the ‘Kangani System’ and
the massive influx of Chinese investors brought to the rise of a new generation, consisting of
people from different ethnic and family backgrounds. The insidious ‘Divide and Rule’ tactic
launched by the British soon crumbled as the citizens gradually became more nationalistic,
patriotic and accepting of each other’s differences. The undiminished unity and unbreakable
bond between Malaysians have transformed the national economy to become the Tiger
Economy of South East Asia as well as propelled ASEAN’s ambitions to greater heights. We
often witness the perils of simmering racial tensions and blood spills on a macro scale in
nations like the United States of America where disastrous violence terrorizes the
equanimous lifestyle as well as in Myanmar where the Rohingyas are either brutally
murdered or heartlessly chased away. However in Malaysia, such conflicts rarely occur as we
Malaysians are exceptionally accepting and tolerant. We strive for win-win situations in
whatever we do. That is the Malaysian way, our belief, our technique, our method of living
amongst each other peacefully, exactly what Malaysians love lah(Malaysian slang)!

A harmonious country also originates from the efficiency and the transparency of the local
government and leaders of high caliber. Six decades after being liberated from the tyranny of
British colonization, Malaysia is no longer what people regard as a dilapidated village. With a
long history of Islamism thriving in our beloved nation, Malaysia has once again been
reimagined as a thriving and a visionary Islamic country. Evidently, Malaysia has sent
countless delegations to the Middle East to discover extraordinary methods to further enhance
the nation’s competency and growth while adhering to the fundamentals of Islamic principles.
Proactive strategies and multidimensional policies are integrated into the New Economic
Policy to narrow the income inequality gap between races, thus elevating the people’s
lifestyle. Moreover, the Malaysian Prime Minister also realized the significance of national
unity in the era of continuous globalization, hence introduced the ‘1 Malaysia’ initiative to
invigorate Malaysians to stand together as one.

All in all, maybe some view Malaysia’s uniqueness as a country with a diverse culture,
whereas some see Malaysia as a unique with regards to food. My take is Malaysia is not only
special, but exceptional, especially the ways the government makes the most out of
Malaysia’s incomparable features and optimises them to revitalize and reinvigorate Malaysia
as an influential country in the global arena, both as a forward-looking Islamic country as
well as a glorious nation. I am proud to be a Malaysian and I am confident that all of you will
feel the same too. Hopefully in another 60 years, our country will continue to be beautiful and
wonderful, where Malaysians will be proud to say that “Malaysia is my home”.

DIMITRI KHOO TENG LI

5SA1

D2477