We've grown in the 60 years since Malayan independence, since Malaysia was formed. What's in store for Malaysia's children 60 years down the road? — Filepic/AFP
I have always thought of Malaysia as a young country, not simply because of its short modern history or demographic make-up, but also due to its spirit.
While Britain and France always seemed to me like stately old grande dames, shaped by centuries of history and elaborate traditions, replete with royalty and empires and art and literary movements, Malaysia by comparison felt like a young and ambitious upstart – an aspiring nation bursting with potential and eager to make its own mark.
We seemed to radiate the vibrancy of youth, with our raw enthusiasm and spirited eagerness to build and grow, and, as well, with careless blunders and botch-ups so typical of youth. Yes we faltered at times, but isn’t that part of growing up?
The weight of history did not matter so much – we didn’t look to the past but to a future we could shape. We bristled with confidence. We carried a “can do” spirit – the “Malaysia Boleh” catchphrase epitomised the country’s ambitious energy and self-belief.
That was two or three decades ago.
It struck me recently that the nation has now grown older. Looking at demographics, there has indeed been a shift. While two decades ago, we were young, with the population’s median age at 25 years, it’s now almost 31 years. The bloom of our youth has withered.
Our youthful spirit has also waned. We aren’t powering ahead with the same gung-ho optimism. We’re more cynical, and Malaysia Boleh is used mostly sarcastically, especially on social media, to highlight the country’s failures.
Like most countries, we’ve made missteps along the way, of course, notably high profile corruption cases, and a recent period of political instability, with four prime ministers in four years, have left an indelible imprint.
I also feel that the country is grappling with identity issues. Our rich multicultural fabric is fraying with tension, torn by divisive identity politics based on race and religion.
There are also major rights issues of marginalised and neglected groups, such as the Orang Asli and stateless individuals. And inequality is growing, with the middle class struggling. All of this impairs a unified national identity.
As we mature as a country, the decisions we make now are critical. How can we confront corruption, foster inclusion, and heal our fractured country? How to institute real reform? How to grow?
The 13th Malaysia Plan (2026-2030), unveiled in July, aims to reshape the country’s economy through a focus on digitalisation, artificial intelligence, R&D, and high-growth, high-value industries. The aim is to become a high-income nation by 2030.
That’s a tall task. It’ll require dropping our tendency to cheap out, cut corners, and take a cut. Building high-value industries will also not be easy with an economy so dependent on foreign workers for low-end jobs.
Take South Korea, considered one of the best development success stories. It aggressively invested in R&D, supported key domestic industries and emphasised innovation. Investment in education and human capital helped build a skilled workforce. Today, Korean products are successful household names, from Samsung to Squid Game. K-pop and K-drama have gone global.
We chase after foreign investment and firms, and offer free trade zones, yet we fail to invest adequately in ourselves – local R&D investment is low while education standards are falling. Our dependence on foreign labour has led to a chronic lack of innovation, graduate unemployment, and suppressed wages.
We need to recognise the value of human capital, and cultivate a highly-skilled, trained workforce aligned with economic goals.
To ensure a stable, resilient, inclusive society – which will enable creativity and promote growth – we should also address wealth distribution, strengthen social protection systems, and foster inclusion. And in preparing for our ageing population, we should see the opportunity rather than the burden, and work for a thriving “silver economy”.
To mature wisely is to bring out the best in all of us. That way, we can create a strong homegrown “Made in Malaysia” brand that is ready for the world stage.
And maybe it’ll carry some of that vibrant spirit of our youth.
