While Malaysia fiddles, its opportunities are running dry: Michael Backman

A sharp, abrasive commentary on what's wrong with Malaysia. Although I do think he is less than diplomatic in his delivery, I really can't particularly disagree with any of the points.

A good read. Here's the complete article:

While Malaysia fiddles, its opportunities are running dry
Michael Backman (November 15, 2006)

Some choice quotes below:

MALAYSIA'S been at it again, arguing about what proportion of the economy each of its two main races — the Malays and the Chinese — owns... It's a tough world out there and there can be little sympathy for a country that prefers to argue about how to divide wealth rather than get on with the job of creating it.

This all happens in the context of Malaysia's grossly inflated sense of its place in the world. Most Malaysians are convinced that the eyes of the world are on their country and that their leaders are world figures... The truth is, few people on the streets of London or New York could point to Malaysia on a map much less name its prime minister or capital city.

.. Few countries are as good at wasting money...

Next year, a Malaysian astronaut will go into space aboard a Russian rocket... And the cost? RM95 million... But what is Malaysia getting by using the space programs of others as a taxi service? There are no obvious technical benefits, but no doubt Malaysians will be told once again, that they are "boleh".

That's not Malaysia "boleh", that's Malaysia "bodoh" (stupid).