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.