Michael Backman and Malaysia
"MALAYSIA'S been at it again, arguing about what proportion of the economy each of its two main races - the Malays and the Chinese - owns. It's an argument that's been running for 40 years. That wealth and race are not synonymous is important for national cohesion, but really it's time Malaysia grew up."
- excerpt from Michael Backman's "While Malaysia fiddles, it's opportunities are running dry". First published in The Age, November 15 2006.
To the 10 people who visit this blog, have you heard about the storm in a teacup that is Michael Backman's article in the Australian newspaper, The Age, about Malaysia? Titled "While Malaysia fiddles, it's opportunities are running dry" and released on the 15th of November, it's not the most positive report, but it is definitely the most honest thing I've read the whole year. Someone buy the guy a drink.
If you've always lived here and couldn't put your finger on why we are so mediocre, the articlewill help you put things in perspective.
If you know nothing about Malaysia, it is still an interesting article about a developing nation with so much to offer but unsure about how to go about doing it.
We've got a serious problem with criticism in this country. We take special exception to constructive criticism, especially by foreigners. Since we are so busy trying to bodek the foreigners and comparing ourselves to them, I think receiving a note or two from an outsider's perspective is absolutely crucial.
Anyway. Go read the article. Backman has also written a little response to all the hoo-hah that he seems to find himself at the centre of. Rafidah doesn't think much of him, because he isn't Malaysian. Go figure.
posted by Captain Karat @ 4:46 PM
4 Comments:
Wish to point out that the "analyst" who said that Bumis own 45% of the Coporate Sector was criticised by the government NOT BECAUSE he is Chinese but because his figure was based upon a selected number of companies and also because he categorised Government Linked Companies as those owned by Bumis, which is incorrect. Secondly, if he believes that his number is correct, than why did he not justify that his calculation should be accepted by everyone. He should have justified it first to his bosses in ASLI.
Thirdly, it would appear that he has a hidden agenda when releasing his 45% figure to the "world" before being blessed by his organisation. I wonder what is it? Perhaps the "analyst" himself would know the truth.
Ironic that it had to be a foreigner who wrote an article about all the things Malaysians feel but for various reasons never say.
He may not be Malaysian but I think in some ways he knows us better than we know ourselves.
There seems to be so many disgruntled Malaysians and all of this vexing going to waste - the ones who bitch or have proof of our government's imcompetencies are silenced, lambasted or arrested. i'm glad and yet deeply troubled that it takes a guy like Backman to speak the cold hard truth. thanks loads for sharing this article.
"It depresses me that Malaysia hasn't been more successful than it has and that it is still fighting the old fights of the 1960s." - Michael Backman
As promised, Bolehnation.com is proud to bring you our exclusive interview with Michael Backman, the Australian author of the much-talked-about "Boleh or Bodoh" article.
Exclusive Interview with Michael Backman
1. What was the initial thought that prompted you to write about your "Boleh or Bodoh column"? What was and has been your intention in writing the article?
Malaysia has good people, good resources and a legal system that ought to function. It depresses me that Malaysia hasn't been more successful than it has and that it is still fighting the old fights of the 1960s.
Malaysia's Chinese have accepted the NEP and its successor policies. They define themselves as Malaysians first and foremost and are among the proudest Malaysians. They have learned Malay. Essentially, they have done everything that has been required of them and yet still there is this endless preoccupation with race in Malaysia....CLICK HERE FOR MORE.
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