I have always enjoyed my visits to Malaysia, finding it a well-developed country with modern infrastructure, warm and friendly people and a vibrant culture of diversity, tolerance and peace. But my recent visit was stark difference to my previous visit to the city when everyone – literally everyone, from the prime minister to the taxi driver – was pre-occupied with general sales tax or GST that was then recently imposed.
But this time the conversations had a more pessimistic and troubled note. Everyone I met including government officials, central bankers and CEOs of banks were anxious with the deteriorating exchange rate of the Malaysian ringgit. However, one common point of discussion during my last two visits remains the government’s handling of 1MDB. A series of economic and political events have started casting doubts on the fundamental strength of Malaysian economy and its socio-political fabric.
There are those who believe that the government, especially the prime minister, is in gloom; others assert that there is something seriously wrong with the direction the country is moving to. Many worry that the political turbulence will bruise the country’s economy. Dissatisfaction with a number of things is ubiquitous. And to the concerned of some political observers, Tun Mahathir Mohamed is now once again more vocal and visible.
Yet as a foreigner who is a frequent flyer to Malaysia, there is nothing sinister about all what is happening in the country. It is business as usual. Actually, not as usual as it used to be. I find myself in a situation where my clients take out calculators to convert the British pounds into Malaysian ringgit to ascertain the likely impact of their custom with me on their balance sheet.
But amid whatever is happening in the country, I see three reasons to remain cheerful. Cheerful, because I love Malaysia and any optimism around the country makes me a happy businessman.
NUMBER 1
Malaysia is definitely an improved country on transparency grounds. Compliance remains top of mind in every organisation and business I deal with. Malaysians have learnt to respect letter of the law. There are very clear rules governing almost all aspects of the socio-political and economic structures. Malaysia was ranked 31st among 178 countries on the 2015 Index of Economic Freedom. University Teknologi Mara or UiTM for short, where I have been a visiting professor for more than five years, has impressed me immensely. The emphasis on rules and compliance with the policies devised to run a huge university like UiTM is worthy of appreciation. Everyone in the university – from Tan Sri Sahol Hamid, the vice-chancellor of the university, to Dr Nurazida Mohamed, an assistant rector based in the Kelantan campus, is extremely committed to working hard and contributing to the success of the university without losing sight on social welfare. Where there are some cases of non-compliance, the system is robust enough to ensure that they are detected, dealt with and ameliorated. There are certain foreign newspapers that are trying to defame the country, something that has a long history. Such media coverage must be read with caution.
NUMBER 2
UMNO, the ruling party, is definitely on a par with other political parties in the West, especially the UK, when it comes to a drive to nurture future political leadership. The prime minister himself is involved in identifying young talents to take the baton from incumbent political leaders. The likes of Dato’ Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki exemplify the government’s commitment to inculcating young, bright, educated and talented politicians into the mainstream. Given these efforts of UMNO, it will be no surprise to see younger, more dynamic and visionary leaders running the affairs of UMNO and the future governments in Malaysia.
Malaysia symbolises hope for the future of Muslims. It is a country that has maintained its Islamic identity but has not shied away from learning from the West. It is a country that exemplifies symbol of shared values – multiculturalism, religious tolerance and politics of unity in diversity. If history is any indication, Malaysia will ride out the current political turbulence to come out a stronger nation for it. When there is hope, there is a sense of optimism!
NUMBER 3
Malaysians have found a balanced work ethics that are felt throughout the country. Despite competing demands placed upon their time, Malaysians remain approachable by anyone proposing to do business with them. I am amazed how relatively easy it is for visitors like me to fix an appointment with a CEO of a bank or even the prime minister. This is evident that there is no disconnect between leadership and rank and file. Malaysia has developed a system to ensure meaningful flow of information at all levels.
“Malaysia symbolises hope for the future of Muslims. It is a country that has maintained its Islamic identity but has not shied away from learning from the West. It is a country that exemplifies symbol of shared values – multiculturalism, religious tolerance and politics of unity in diversity. If history is any indication, Malaysia will ride out the current political turbulence to come out a stronger nation for it. When there is hope, there is a sense of optimism!”
Given this, while the Middle East is facing a plethora of problems in terms of rise of ISIS, terrorism and political unrest spurred by Islamism, Malaysia provides a viable modern model of application of Islamic teachings in a contemporary context. If any country in the OIC block can bring Islam and the West together, it is Malaysia. West should reconsider its approach towards Islam and start connecting with Malaysia rather than trying to criticise it.
