As flags that once littered the public space are slowly being cleared out, a gleeful old Mak Cik extends wishes of “Happy New Malaysia” to her neighbour invoking the emotion of a country that has just achieved its independence. We don’t believe that’s an overstatement. It is as if a nation could experience a coming of age, Malaysia transitions from a murky past filled with teenage angst and unruly behaviour to an enlightened, more matured path towards a promising future. Politics was its theatre, and the epic told is a Malaysian story (still in the making) – a struggle between morality, tolerance and indignation between the elites and the mass; the urban versus rural, the cosmopolitans and xenophobes; the brave and the coward; and last but not least between truth and diversion. From that, we have risen triumphantly clinging to whatever that’s left of a decent and functioning democracy that we hold so dearly. And we ushered, prouder than when we lowered the union jack flag, a new Malaysia like a blank slate with the ability to rub off the blemishes of the past.
The astonishing electoral victory of the Pakatan Harapan coalition is a sign that a united cry of Malaysians under the same goal – of change and hope; prevailed tremendously to overcome the discord, perfidiousness and polarisation that have been dragging the country down to a laggard in the region.
A Take on a New Dawn
It is probably not overstating to say that what happened in Malaysia in the past few weeks has raised the attention of the world; wide-eyed to the spectacle of the reappointment of a 92-year old Prime Minister hell-bent on reform. The excitement is evident; a new party with fresh promises to get Malaysia ‘back on track’ is well received both from home and abroad. Having said that, leaving the political manifestos and 100-day vows to the experts (addressing the nation’s debt, reinstating the judicial independence and reducing foreign labour etc. – read more here), let us entertain the more idealistic and broader strokes of change we want in the country.
First Class Mentality for a First Class Nation
Malaysia Boleh – Everything Can. But thinking like a civilised and developed citizen of the world requires a bit of practice lah! There is really no excuse for the laundry list of appalling behaviour that still plagues most Malaysians; from vandalistic addiction to inconsiderate manners. A little imagination is all it takes to ‘update’ our mentality and it’s no rocket science!
- Think Ahead – without resulting in paranoia, take time to picture the consequences of your action. No man is an island, so make sure every action you take bodes well with your surrounding.
- Be the Shoe – in fact, be everyone’s shoes! Empathise with others and always consider the other’s position or situation because if not, karma the b***h will teach you a lesson.
- Summon the Samaritans – if all fails, or if others have failed you on the above matters, do not despair. Be a role model and the guru to others whilst avoiding preachiness because deep inside, we Malaysians are shy and an easily embarrassed bunch and can concede to good behaviour.
All of these are achievable beyond home, school, office and malls. The bottom line is – no one wants a nanny state. So, without relying too much on reforms of the education system and sloppy parenthood, let’s focus on improving the little things that matter – time-keeping, cleanliness, respect for others and tolerance! Having said that, the full support goes to the new Education Minister which we’re sure shares the same conviction.
Economic Inclusivity First, Expansion and Growth Later
Our economy needs to gear up and be ready to embrace the new world order – an order that calls for greater focus on entrepreneurship as the main driver for economic activity built around the philosophy of shared and abundance of resources. An economy that is open, inclusive and accessible to all. An economy that not defined just by narrow measures of happiness (material wealth) and progress (growth of GDP) is what we need and are capable of. Malaysia is increasingly built upon the back of small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs); a class of businesses that has continuously demonstrated richness in creativity, the ability to innovate and create value. These are the businesses that have been steadily supplying employment and therefore the most in need of support and validation. More importantly, SMEs will need access to capital as their opportunity to tap into the larger regional market increases. In contrast, the state is tightening its purse resulting in scarcity of funds for businesses and start-ups to leverage on. Having said that, there are other means of ensuring that the entrepreneurial ecosystem can survive and thrive. Consider the following :
- Financial technology (fintech), has redefined how the market can access capital not only through improved efficiency, but also to include as many participants to the economy as possible in the effort of unlocking values that would otherwise be left out. Crowdfunding for example should no longer be viewed as an alternative route to funding, considering that the service offers both access to market (including validation) and capital.
- Lead not just follow. Easier said than done, we Malaysian can be so risk averse that we’re afraid to lead even we’ve got the chance to. This is particularly acute in the area of investments poured into leading and breakthrough businesses. Government agencies should take a more active role in identifying these businesses (quickly!) and ensure that the business goes out to market as soon as possible for validation and attract investments. As for the investors, profit maximisation should no longer be the credo to follow. Instead, investments should be driven by the urge to open up new markets and uncovering values.
Threading the Horizon
Charting the path of where to go is important for our country, just as Vision 2020 once guided us to achieve development and prosperity. Having said that, it is crucial that we get the basic things right. As the effort of restoring democracy and rules for good governance take place in this new Malaysia, we must not overlook the core essence that makes us Malaysians (and the only way we can survive as a nation) – tolerance over prejudice, respect over zealotry, fairness over equality. Let us carry these values (NOT ideologies) at heart so that all of us have the opportunity to seize a brighter future.
