It’s been nearly six decades since our country achieved independence. And while Malaysia has come a long way, indeed, there’s still much to do. The Peak asks the nation’s leaders and thinkers their wishes for the country as we celebrate our national day this 31st August.
TAN SRI FRANCIS YEOH
Group Managing Director, YTL Corporation
My Merdeka wish for our beloved country is that we continue to remain an example of a prosperous and progressive multi-racial and multi-religious society. We are one of the few developing nations that have the key foundations of a successful economy in place, whether it’s a robust banking system, first-class infrastructure or nationwide internet usage and penetration. As we move forward, may we also have the grace to care about the environment and what we leave behind for the next generation. May God continue to bless this beautiful country and all Malaysians.
TAN SRI AK NATHAN
Executive Chairman and Group Managing Director, Eversendai Corporation
Looking back on its 59 years of independence, Malaysia has grown from an undeveloped country to an internationally recognised nation whose multiracial society has contributed towards Malaysia’s growth. Our task now is to sustain a continued growth as we preserve the peace and beauty of our country. A society diverse in its ethnicity, culture and religion is what makes up the Malaysia I know and love. My wish this Merdeka is for us to retain our fundamental values while striving towards a futuristic era of new technology, modernisation and globalisation.
YNG LYN SIEW
Executive Director, Dynamite Genius
As a returning Malaysian, after having lived in Europe for more than a decade, my wish is for every citizen to rise above our differences and unite for peace, progression and harmony. We live in a blessed country with almost no natural disasters. We have all been brought up in a melting pot of tolerance as there is no other place on earth with such diversity in race and culture. I believe that every Malaysian deserves the opportunity to be the best they can be and make a mark on this world without ever having to leave our homeland. Perseverance, unity and faith will take us there. Happy Merdeka!
DATO’ DR JESSIE TANG
Group CEO, East West One Group
As our beloved motherland turns 59 years of age, I wish to see Malaysians from all walks of life re-affirming their bond while retaining the zest to rekindle the nation’s position as a once ferocious tiger economy (which has sadly slipped away from our reach in recent times). I remain hopeful and anticipate positive change as I believe all Malaysians stand united in achieving this goal. On a personal level, topping the list of my aspirations is to live up to the `woman of substance’ adage, a challenge which I impose on myself to prove to the world that the determination of Malaysian women knows no boundaries. As an entrepreneur, I am a firm believer that Malaysian women can succeed and achieve their aspirations if they set their minds to it. Above all else, striving for nothing less than a world-class standard shall be the benchmark in all my undertakings.
DATO’ ABDUL RAUF RASHID
Malaysia Managing Partner & Asean Assurance Leader, Ernst & Young
Our country has come a long way since gaining independence in 1957. The development, progress and wealth that we enjoy as a nation today is due to the hard work, sacrifices and commitment of our Malaysian forefathers. They were united in the belief that they could build a strong and great nation – one which her people of diverse ethnicities and religions would be proud to call home. My wish this Merdeka is for that flame to continue burning bright; for my fellow Malaysians to continue having faith and hope that all of us, together, can build a better working world and an even greater country – one that we would be proud to leave as our legacy for future generations of Malaysians.
DATO’ SIMON FOONG
CEO & Managing Director, Aquawalk
We are stronger when we stand together. It’s our diversity that has helped us overcome some of the biggest challenges in our country’s history. Keep our shared history alive and close to our hearts. Remember that our ancestors of different races, cultures and religions won our independence together. Be strong, be kind, be hopeful, Malaysia. Selamat Hari Merdeka!
DATUK DR KELVIN TAN
Chairman, TSH Resources, Ekowood International & Innoprise Plantations
With each passing National Day, we’re reminded of how grateful we are to call this country our home. Everything – from her melting pot of cultures, unique traditions, diverse heritage, languages, spectacular locations and delicious food – has become an integral part of our society. My Merdeka wish is for Malaysia to continue working together as a nation to address our common challenges and remain united in this trying time. I’ve always firmly believed that through unity in a multi-racial society, we can overcome troubling issues and work our way in building a better and prosperous Malaysia. Truth be told, it’s hard to not be proudly Malaysian.
DATUK RAMLI IBRAHIM
Founder and Chairman, Sutra Foundation
I wish for Malaysia to continue being progressive on all fronts, especially in education, sustainability, city planning and anti-corruption efforts. The rakyat want efficiency and good governance at all levels, but sound policies need able, visionary and trustworthy leaders to implement them – good governance, after all, should be above petty politics. There is a worrying trend of clamping down on the public voice and a rise in extremist and absolutist values, which is polarising and poisoning the mindset of the populace. The best and most sustainable solution to this problem is through the dissemination of knowledge and accurate information with integrity, especially in this digital age that we live in.
HRH TENGKU DATIN PADUKA SETIA ZATASHAH SULTAN IDRIS SHAH
Chairman & CEO, Light Cibles
In celebration of our country’s 59th anniversary of independence, my Merdeka wish is for all of us to unite in peace and truly embrace our diversity; that we become a more tolerant society and cast away prejudices; that we, as a community, learn to compromise and become more understanding, accepting, patient and caring. We should indeed be proud of our achievements since Merdeka and, to quote the late Nelson Mandela: “For to be free, is not merely to cast off one’s chains but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others”.
K RAMAN
Managing Director, Microsoft Malaysia
The one thing I love about Malaysia is that it’s truly a melting pot of different cultures, something close to home for me. I have an Indian father, Chinese mother, and Malay sounding name, which earned me the nickname `Muhibbah kid’! Growing up in a small multiracial neighbourhood in Malacca, everyone treated each other like family – regardless of race or religion. I used to fly kites, play hockey, football and gasing with the other kids, and visit neighbours’ houses during festive seasons. My Merdeka wish, therefore, is that we continue being blind towards race and the colour of our skin; and that we continue living up to what really sets us apart from the rest – a multi-racial nation – as evidenced in our popular tagline, `Malaysia, truly Asia’. We should continue capitalising on our diversity and leveraging each other’s strengths to carry on working together in harmony. Malaysia being muhibbah is what sets us apart and, I believe, is a vital building block to construct a developed nation by 2020.
