Malaysia and Globalization

We have linked with Future Stories, a project aiming to uncover how globalisation affects people in the UK. Our part will be to invite selected members of our Global Youth Panel to talk about how globalisation affects them and where they live. First up, Tang Chun Cheuh from Malaysia.

Even before its days as a British colony and subsequent independence, Malaysia (then Malaya) is no stranger to globalisation. Between the 15th and 16th century, the port of Malacca was arguably the most lucrative harbour in the world, attracting traders from both Asia and Europe. As a British colony, Indians and Chinese nationals were sent to Malaya to work the tin mines and rubber plantation, forming the foundation for the cultural melting pot that is Malaysia today.

Mention Malaysia, and most people think of the Petronas twin towers, the Sepang F1 circuit, lush green jungles and perhaps tigers and orangutans. All of which are true, but also grossly under represent Malaysia, a problem faced by all nations. Due to its former colony status, Malaysia had assimilated Western culture with relative ease compared with other nations, which gave Malaysia a head start on Western education. As a result, Malaysia is able to maintain a competitive edge in the world's economy after gaining independence.

Fast forward to now however, and we are seeing the pitfalls of our own rapid growth. Former Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohammad once quoted Malaysia having 'First World infrastructure, Third World mentality'. In our quest to join the global race towards becoming a developed nation, we did not pay heed to the loss of culture and civic pride. Malaysia was the first nation in history to gain independence through bloodless negotiations, but sadly this significant fact remains largely unknown to many Malaysians, and as such many of the current generation take our freedom and civil liberties for granted.

Of greater concern is the need to preserve our identities as continue to develop. Even as Malaysia is making its mark around the world in sports, fashion, culinary arts and other aspects, we are also in danger of losing the very elements that are uniquely Malaysian. The Malay language itself is losing its identity, with many original words being replaced with Westernized versions, while activities practised in the East Coast such as moon kite (wau) flying, shadow play (wayang kulit) and top spinning (gasing) are slowly being replaced with television sets, video games and commercial toys. These handicrafts remain commercially popular, but the craft of making them is slowly dying out as few are willing to continue the legacy in pursuit of a more glamourous job in the lights of Kuala Lumpur.

Our prized rainforests and islands, which attract a great deal of tourists every year, are ironically becoming victims of their own fame. Resorts and chalets are being built at an uncontrolled rate, with sewage being dumped into the sea while our jungles are slowly being cut down to clear new land and because Malaysian timber is in high demand.

To conclude, globalization has brought a state of paradox to Malaysia. The more we try to sell our identity to the world, the quicker we lose what truly makes us unique.

Tang Chun Cheuh

Posted by: Dave, 05 Mar 10, 5:50pm

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