41th Merdeka

Malaysia is celebrating its 41th birthday today. As the day falls on a Sunday, it will also be a holiday tomorrow. What has Malaysia achieved for the past 41 years of independence? Well, in terms of financial stability, it pulled out of the economic crisis back in the 1990s with the help of Tun Mahathir and his most trusted advisors including the legendary Tun Daim. I have utmost respect for the guy. Although he was brought back to counter the second wave of economic crisis, he could not help but to see that Malaysia falling through the economic downturn. However, one thing remains true. He is a legend being Malaysia's finance minister.

I am sure that after his departure from being a public servant, Mahathir took over as first finance minister and we have our first lady being the second finance minister. It took her some time before Malaysia is back on track as the effect of the economic crisis was really bad at that time. When Mahathir retired, Abdullah Badawi took over as the country's first finance minister. For the first two years it was alright but now, after five years, things are not getting there as he has promised.

The instability of the local politicians spark a strong wave of protest which let to people supporting the opposition. This is evident in the recent March 2008 election where by the opposition parties became the defending champion. Oh well, what have we got here?

Abdullah Badawi has announced the 2009 budget which reflected the government's stand to improve public service and to increase personal allowance. I hope that it will be a good start for next year because at the moment, companies are leaving UK due to the fact that corporation tax is very high in the UK (around 26 percent). What I would think about Malaysia? I think Malaysia is still a very formidable country, rich in many cultures and peaceful. The current economical downturn is just temporary and I hope that things will turn out well after the crisis.

However, I would sincerely hope that BN will come out with some good ideas to counteract the oppositions especially PAS. Otherwise, they will risk losing all that they have been striving for 41 years. BN have been strong for 40 years and please remain strong. I don't want a country which is governed by fanatics.

Above all, Merdeka!!!