Malaysia Boleh!If Malaysia did it, why can’t we? [Archives:2004/763/Viewpoint]

In a fascinating experience in Malaysia – which is now quickly developing to hopefully become the first developed country with a Muslim majority – I learnt that the spirit that drives the country is their willingness to prove that Malaysia can achieve, as demonstrated in the famous Malay slogan “Malaysian Boleh!”
In my opinion, this small sentence has indeed made a great difference between what Malaysia is and what it can be.
In a meeting with Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi, we came to realize that Malaysia's spirit is high, and ambitions to become a developed country are definitely on the rise. “We are a developing country, which has gone so far. We will continue our dedication and hard work for our country so as it becomes a developed country that can be a model for many developing countries throughout the world.” he said during the meeting.
Meanwhile, it is important to note that among the good habits of Malaysians is the preference of action to talk. This is a key point to their success in driving the economy forward and achieving so much in such a short period of time.
Even though Malaysia can indeed serve as an example for many Muslim and Arab countries, not only are those Arab and Muslim countries not learning from Malaysia, but on some occasions they work to disrupt its efforts to establish a better position for the developing world. One example is the way Malaysia's ambitious and forward-looking plans were rejected by the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC). The aim was to make the OIC an active organization in the scope of framing common positions and strong opinions on international issues.
Looking at the conditions of Muslims today, I feel shame at the level of deterioration we have reached in all aspects. This has led to the unprecedented humiliation of Arab regimes, which continuously scream and crying for 'justice' in Palestine whilst doing nothing to achieve it in any way.
Mr. Badawi had clearly said during the meeting that Israel should not go as far as demolishing the Aqsa Mosque. “This would infuriate anger and hatred of Muslims throughout the world and could lead to devastating consequences.” he affirmed. But taking things logically, Arab countries are unable to defend their territories or holy sites. They are busy with poverty, oppression, inefficiency, and other negativities in their societies. I don't believe that even demolishing of Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem would wake the conscience of Arab regimes, which has already been long dead and buried.
Malaysia has demonstrated that it can achieve great things and make the impossible from the viewpoint of our countries, possible. Today, the country has the finest industries of the world, one of the top petroleum companies (Petronas), the largest industry of palm oil, a flourishing tourism sector, a land of great investments and opportunities, and a life of peace and security.
I believe that “Malaysia Boleh!” did mean a lot for Malaysians because they believed in this fact. Their belief was translated to actions, and they are now quickly growing and soon will probably be recognized as a developed country.
Malaysia is far behind the Arab world in natural resources, geographical advantages, population, and yet they have achieved greatly.
This makes me ask the question over and over again, “If Malaysia was able to do it, why can't we?”
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