BY: ASHIKIN SHAK

Most Malaysians like to draw comparisons between the nations of Malaysia and Singapore ever since the island republic left Malaysia in 1965 to be an independent nation rising to be one of the world’s richest countries.

Malaysians wonder what gives because at one time the two nations were on par with each other and the Malaysian dollar (back then) and the Singapore dollar were of equal value but now there is a vast disparity in their values.

Singapore was a backwater, just like Malaysia, in 1965, but through sheer hard work and perseverance they struggled for success and more importantly they put in place all the tenets and obligations of democracy to succeed.

In the case of Malaysia, unfortunately, due to poor vision and leadership, they implemented policies that failed to have fairplay, justice and meritocracy and this is why it is considered by most of the international community to be a rogue nation bordering on becoming a failed state.

But, in actuality and truth, Malaysia has a far greater potential to be a Great Nation than Singapore but they have lost their way although the country has an abundance of natural resources. They now badly need to get back on the right track.

While it is still not late, Malaysians should stop drawing comparisons with Singapore and seize the opportunity to set their house in order by playing by the rules of the game and ensuring that they conform in full to the democratic process.

-THE MALAYSIA VOICE

** The views expressed on this opinion is of the writer and not the publisher