Malaysia lurching back to repressive ways

Of all Asean members, Malaysia is arguably the most progressive, with the most potential to become a developed country. The work done by Mahathir bin Mohamad propelled Malaysia forward, with the economic development in the 1990s guided by Anwar Ibrahim. In 1991, he announced Vision 2020, under which Malaysia would aim to become a fully developed country within 30 years.

However, the possibility has been systematically squandered by successors who have none of Mahathir’s drive, vision or ability. The senseless witch-hunt against Anwar Ibrahim robbed the country of a highly skilled economic minister and now we see embattled Prime Minister Najib lurching back to repression and state control in passing a law that allows suspects to be detained for two years without being charged, “in the interest of public order, public security or the prevention of crime”.

These measures are not the mark of a developed country but mirror the repressive tendencies of other “lesser” Asean members. From being a civilised beacon for Asean countries under Prime Minister Najib, Malaysia is now propelled backwards with great force.

So, after Singapore, I suppose that places Thailand as the next most developed and civilised member of Asean.

John Patterson

Bangkok