Introduction and Overview
This book has two parts. The first, "Perspectives on Development," begins
with the chapter exploring why some societies progress while others
regress. The chapter following recaps the lessons of past societies that
successfully overcame their stagnant conditions and then went on a
trajectory of progress. The examples I choose are early Islam, the
European Reformation, and the Meiji Restoration. The chapter after that
covers three contemporary model states: two are positive examples—the
"Asian tiger" (South Korea) and the "Celtic tiger" (Ireland) – while the
third is a negative one, Argentina. I conclude this first part with a
chapter on globalization, the prevailing and dominant force shaping the
world today.
Globalization is now a reality. While there are many imperfections and
inequities with the system, nonetheless for small nations like Malaysia
it is best not to dwell on them. Suffice that Malaysia should concentrate
on avoiding and minimizing the pitfalls, and on better preparing her
citizens to face this new reality and its associated challenges. Once
Malaysia is a full and active participant in globalization, then it will
be in a better position to improve the system. Until then it would be
presumptuous for Malaysians to presume to preach to the larger world.
Besides, there are greater minds elsewhere now addressing the many
inequities and translocations associated with globalization.
The second part, "Transforming Malaysia," deals specifically with how
Malaysia can best position itself for the next stage of development by
taking full advantage of the many opportunities afforded through
globalization and free trade. I begin with Chapter VI by taking stock of
the nation, its assets and liabilities, paying particular attention to
those factors that must of necessity be either assets or by default, they
will become liabilities. For example, Malaysia's plurality can be
considered an asset if we leverage that to prepare our citizens to be
tolerant of and adapt to the different cultures. That would prepare our
citizens for globalization. On the other hand, our multiracial society
could easily trip the nation into becoming another Bosnia if we allow our
differences to divide us.
The chapter following that deals with how best to enhance our most
precious asset – our human capital. The chapter "Culture, Institutions,
and Leadership" examines how those elements could be enhanced in
preparation for globalization. As Islam is a major influence on Malay
culture, I have a separate chapter examining its impact on law,
education, and the economy. Because of the centrality of the institution
of law, I devote an entire chapter on Freedom, Justice, and The Law. The
last but one chapter is my plea for Malaysia to adopt the only economic
system that has proven to be successful in alleviating poverty in the
greatest number of people: free enterprise. I conclude with my specific
prescription on how best to transform Malaysia. This is in the format of
an open letter to Prime Minister Mahathir.
Malaysia's goal at this stage should be a modest one. That is, how best to
prepare its citizens to meet the challenges of and to benefit from
globalization. This book is my small contribution towards this goal.
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