The media bashing of Malaysia

The media bashing of Malaysia

V.K. Chin, The Star, Asia News Network, Selangor, Malaysia

It is difficult to understand why some sections of the
Indonesia media are trying so hard to run down Malaysia, which
could lead to souring of bilateral ties if left unchecked.

While newspapers or magazines are free to write negative
reports on any country, making up stories just to put Malaysia in
a bad light is really over the top.

As the two countries have so many similarities, such as
religion, food, customs, family ties and language, the
governments, the non-governmental organizations, the media and
their peoples must look for more ways of cooperation for mutual
benefit.

One of the reasons was supposed to be that Indonesia was
jealous of Malaysia's economic success and prosperity and so some
of its media organizations are trying to slow it down.

This is indeed a very immature view as the success of one
country is certain to rub off on the other.

Malaysia's economic success is due to the far-sighted policies
of its leadership, its political stability and a good
administration which has always been pro-business.

It has managed to attract direct foreign investment, which has
helped to turn Malaysia into a dynamic and progressive nation.

This did not happen overnight and the government and people
had worked hard to instill confidence in the local and foreign
business community.

The Indonesians cannot deny that they have benefited from
Malaysia's economic development and the best proof of this is
that several hundred thousand of them have found jobs here.

In fact, the government has always given preference to
Indonesians to meet Malaysia's labor shortage and they have sent
back billions annually to help the republic earn valuable foreign
exchange.

Maybe some Indonesians cannot accept the fact they have to
work for Malaysian employers.

They have always consider Indonesia, being the most populated
member of ASEAN, as the big brother and that Malaysians should be
working for their companies instead.

Whatever it is, the government will always go out of its way
to help Indonesia in every possible way as all ASEAN members know
that it must remain politically and economically stable.
Malaysia's policy of "prosper thy neighbor" is still very much
alive.

An unstable Indonesia will have an immense impact on the
region in all fields and as its closest neighbor Malaysia
appreciates the efforts of the Indonesian workers in its economic
development.

In fact, the Indonesia media should make an effort to promote
better understanding and cooperation between the two peoples for
mutual benefit instead of trying to belittle what Malaysia is
doing or has achieved.