Check it out Malaysia by Punki.
Malaysias rapid economic progress since 1970, which was only temporarily disrupted by the Asian financial crisis of 1997, has not been matched by change in Malaysian politics. The repressive measures passed in 1970 remain in place. Malaysia is a multicultural society, with Malays, Chinese and Indians living side by side. The Malays are the largest community, numbering 60% of the population, follows Muslim religion, speak Malay (Bahasa Melayu) and are largely responsible for the political fortunes of the country. Malaysia was formed in 1963 when the former British colonies of Singapore and the East Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak on the northern coast of Borneo joined the Federation. The first several years of the country’s history were marred by Indonesian efforts to control Malaysia, Philippine claims to Sabah, and Singapore’s secession from the Federation in 1965. Malaysia’s new prime minister, Abdullah Badawi, has a more statesmanlike reputation, and in his first year in office he made headway on reducing corruption and instituting reforms. In March 2004, the ruling National Front coalition won an astonishing 90% of parliamentary seats, and Abdullah was reelected on his own merits. Malaysia is one of the world’s largest exporters of semiconductors, electrical goods, and appliances. After a long period of economic growth, Malaysia like many countries was hit hard by the Asian financial crisis in the late 1990s. Malaysia is a former British colony and an interesting mix of native Malays, Indians, and Chinese peoples. It is a democracy and is accommodating of many religions, but it is primarily an Islamic state. Malaysia´s long coastline and many coral-fringed islands, with the Straits of Malacca to the west and the South China Sea to the east, give rise to a large number of fabulous beaches. Tioman and Pangkor are world-renowned resort destinations. Malaysia celebrates National Days on August, 31st each year, which actually was the date of Malaya or states of the Peninsular independence declaration made by Tunku Abdul Rahman. Malaysia was formed when Sabah and Sarawak united to the nation on 16th September 1963. Malaysians of all races and religions need to believe beyond a shadow of a doubt that they have a place under the Malaysian sun. Do not succumb to indifference and apathy. Malaysians are now actively seeking out information about their country. Project Malaysia will capitalise on this newfound need to access information for a large group of concerned citizens, both urban and otherwise. Malaysia marked its 51st birthday yesterday with a mammoth parade that did little to mask the uncertainties a re-born opposition poses to the government´s uninterrupted hold on power since independence from Britain in 1957. Thousands of people marched in the historic Merdeka (Freedom) Square, watched by Malaysia´s king and government leaders.
Tags: Abdullah Badawi, alays, Asian, Borneo, British colonies of Singapore, Chinese, East Malaysian, electrical goods, Indians, Indonesian, Malaysia, Merdeka, multicultural society, parliamentary, Punki, Sabah, Sarawak, Tunku Abdul Rahman
