COMMENT | Why has Malaysia fallen behind other nations? By David Dass

Malaysiakini : COMMENT | New countries - America, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and yes, Malaysia are all relatively new nations in their modern configuration. All these nations had their native or indigenous populations but settlers, coming in from other nations fleeing oppression or persecution in their home countries or seeking employment or being brought in as migrants, or as slaves or as indentured labour, altered the demography of these nations. Colonisation and decolonisation provided the impetus for change.

They all started their new or altered nationhood as colonies but eventually became independent, The United States has become the most powerful nation on earth. Singapore has become one of the wealthiest in per capita terms. And Canada and Australia are considered advanced nations. New Zealand has also done well. All these nations have benefitted from large-scale immigration. Indigenous people may dispute this statement as they have not been treated well in some of these countries.

All these countries have diverse populations with many cultures, languages, and religions. English is the dominant language in these countries.

Malaysia's history is not dissimilar except the indigenous people remain in the majority and have political control. It has a diverse population. It is a constitutional democracy with a parliament, a professional civil service, and an independent judiciary. It has a modern market economy. It is an advanced country in some respects. English is widely spoken (with varying levels of proficiency) although the language of administration and instruction in schools is mainly Malay.

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