Confronting some uncomfortable truths | The Star

ECONOMIC models and policies are pillars for nation-building.

Ever since claiming independence on August 31, 1957, Malaysia has executed several policies aimed at improving and uplifting the lives of the rakyat.

Unfortunately, not all policies have unfolded as planned.

In his new book, “How Malaysia Missed 7 Chances At Nation Building”, author Datuk Mohammed Hussein offers a detailed examination of key historical events and their impact on the nation.

Recently retired as chairman of Gamuda Bhd, and currently serving as chairman of Credit Guarantee Malaysia Bhd (CGC), Takaful Malaysia Bhd, and Hap Seng Plantations Bhd, Mohammed draws on his extensive experience to provide critical insights into Malaysia’s economic challenges.

The book delves into the New Economic Policy (NEP) of the 1970s, exploring both its achievements and shortcomings.

Mohammed takes readers on a historical journey, recounting how pivotal events have shaped Malaysia’s trajectory and offering solutions to address the issues that have arisen from these policies.

Mohammed says the theme of his new book is about moving forward by leveraging Malaysia’s strong points as a country while also confronting the uncomfortable truths about the current situation.

“Despite its title, this book is really about going forward, and reflecting on the past to see whether we need to make any adjustments.

“We must learn from the mistakes because history has a habit of repeating itself,” he said during his speech at the book launch here.

He believes that as the new generation is a step closer to being in charge of leading Malaysia, it is crucial to provide the right education in order to produce the right skills and reassert the values to keep the country on track.

“The current and next generation will be confronted by the same legacy issues that have hindered our progress since independence.”

“Using a corporate analogy, are we on track to achieving our KPIs for the full financial year?”

“Similarly, for the country, we must pause to assess whether we are on the right track, and if we are then fine, we can carry on with what we have been doing for the past 67 years and hopefully it will be hunky dory.”

“But if we are not, then, as someone quoted a Malay proverb in his review of my book – Jikalau sesat, kembalilah ke pangkal jalan (If you are lost, return to the starting point), we must back track.”

Mohammed’s inspiration for writing the book comes from his reflections on Malaysia’s colonial past and his observations of Indonesia’s struggle for independence.

He recounts how local reactions to Japanese occupation and a particularly inspiring speech by Indonesia’s first president, Soekarno, motivated him to explore these themes further.

“There was one particular scene in the movie, Soekarno, where he was giving his speech in parliament and I thought it was an amazing speech. So that really jolted me up at that time to begin writing on the book,” he states.

The book is divided into two parts – reflections and aspirations.

The first part offers reflections on past decisions, weaving together documented facts and anecdotes from in-depth interviews to present a contentious view of “what might have been” if different choices had been made.

The second part discusses both long-term and short-term solutions to the unintended consequences of the NEP and proposes a new Bumiputera economic model.

Mohammed’s approach combines historical analysis with economic theory and touches on Islamic principles, providing a comprehensive view of Malaysia’s economic journey.

He expresses gratitude to those who helped fill gaps in his knowledge and emphasises that while the country has faced significant challenges, there are still many ingredients for success.

Despite presenting a critical perspective, Mohammed remains optimistic about Malaysia’s potential.

He argues that acknowledging and addressing current problems is essential for future progress.

“We are not in shambles and many ingredients of success are still intact.

“We could be great again, but the road to greatness will have to begin by acknowledging our problems – the elephants in the room, and the willingness to reprogram ourselves,” he says.

Mohammed published his first book titled, Seeking A Life Balance, in 2023 as he shared his journey of “re-learning Islam, focusing on Islamic work ethics”.

“How Malaysia Missed 7 Chances At Nation Building”, available in paperback, is priced at RM70, and is made available to the public at physical bookstores as well as online.

For more details, visit www.mohammedhussein.my.