Critical challenges continue to blight Malaysia as we celebrate almost six decades of Malaysia’s formation. Never-ending financial scandals, incessant corruption, escalating cost of living, unemployment, threats to food security and climate change are among the main issues afflicting the country today.
The billions of ringgit lost in financial scandals could have been used to improve the quality of life of millions of ordinary people. An emphasis on integrity among the people must be the top priority of the government.
Much more needs to be done to check the escalating cost of living, which is squeezing the people, especially the low and middle-income groups.
Are there any concrete government proposals to enhance food security? We import over RM60bn of food products. The high import bill is a cause for concern, especially with the ringgit weakening over the last few months. Why is the government not coming up with long-term solutions to ensure food security? Why have there not been proposals to develop a food ecosystem? Why can’t we develop food cooperatives as in Denmark?
Countless employment opportunities for graduates and non-graduates could be generated if we develop the food sector.
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Malaysia is blessed with an abundance of sunshine, and so the government should aggressively promote the use of solar energy in our daily lives. By moving in this direction, we would reduce our carbon footprint.
We should also emulate Singapore, which has set an exemplary example in greening its environment. The island republic has already planted 400,000 trees or two-fifths of its target of a million trees by 2030. Any form of greenery soaks up greenhouse gases.
Norway is another country we should follow in our quest to become an ecologically friendly nation. By 2025 motor vehicles using fossil fuels will be banned in the country, paving the way for only electric vehicles on the road.
Racial polarisation is given in Malaysia and it permeates all levels of society. I don’t see tangible measures being undertaken to unite the people as Malaysians first. “Keluarga Malaysia” is just a slogan like “1Malaysia”.
Can we have ethnically balanced student compositions in schools, colleges and universities? Employment in the public and private sectors should also reflect the racial composition of the nation. Then different ethnic groups can mingle with each other and reduce racial polarisation.
All countries have their challenges and Malaysia is no exception. We did quite well in handling Covid. In fact, we did far better than many developed and developing countries. Malaysians are fortunate to have access to free public healthcare. Some of our public hospitals have excellent and dedicated medical personnel. We also have a world-renowned health institute like the National Heart Institute (IJN).
Despite the criticisms levelled at the civil service, we still have some admirable civil servants in agencies like the Public Complaints Bureau. Staff at this bureau are the pride of the civil service.
Despite many issues facing the nation, we are still grateful to God for sparing Malaysia from calamities such as earthquakes, hurricanes, typhoons, volcanic eruptions and the more severe impacts of climate change.
There are many decent Malaysians who rise to the occasion by their little daily acts of kindness, humanity and compassion.
Malaysia Day on 16 September is a time for us to reflect key challenges facing Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak. Together we have the resources, courage and goodwill to overcome any challenge. May our politicians draw diversity as a blessing to celebrate rather than an impediment to progress! And may we be thankful to the Almighty for His myriad of blessings even though we murmur and complain daily. God Bless Malaysia!
Reference:
Malaysia celebrates six decades of independence with concerns and blessings, Benedict Lopez, ALIRAN, 29 August 2022
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