THE launching of Cyberjaya was a dream come true for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

From the outset, it was a bold, prudent venture into what would be a challenging information superhighway which would hopefully lead to a new, exciting landscape of the cyberworld.

However, the pinnacle of his vision has yet to materialise.

It is a long-term, high-technology project which entails not only massive capital injection and productive utilisation of human resources but also popular support and nationwide involvement.

After its opening comes the installation of much-needed equipment, the construction of research and development facilities, the provision of amenities and recruitment of high-calibre specialists.

In the long run, it is not Hong Kong, which has its sights set on building its US$1.6bil (RM6bil) Cyberport, which will wreck Dr Mahathir's farsighted plans.

With the availability of lush, open land in its vicinity, its convenient access to the Kuala Lumpur International Airport, at least a year's head start and its close proximity to Asean markets, the project has a competitive edge over Cyberport.

But whether the dream project will be realised will hinge on crucial factors.

Among them are the smooth implementation of follow-up plans, the collaboration of government departments, the training of a fresh crop of computer-literate experts and the continuity of Dr Mahathir's vision.

Before we step into the high-technology realm, however, we ought to focus on the basics and the country's fundamental strengths in this highly complex field.

One question is whether Malaysia is fully geared for the high-tech age.

Thankfully, the advances made by the country's electronics industry provide a timely cutting edge. The rapid development of its telecommunications infrastructure is another plus. Like bolts and nuts, electronics know-how and high technology go hand in hand.

On the flip side, we see lapses, shortcomings, inadequacies and laggards.

For instance, drop by a police station - any police station - and you find that antiquated typewriters are still in use. For a photocopy of a police report, you need to wait for three to 13 days because many police officers are unable to type.

A computer printout? You may wait even longer.

Next, visit a computer store. The chances are that it is stacked with so-called cloned monitors, keyboards, CD-ROM drives and related peripherals.  Thrifty consumers like to buy them on the cheap. Inevitably, product support is almost zero.

Dealers compete not only on price, but also on hardware offers. When it comes to software, however, a buyer gets basic things which, more often than not, are either outdated or inadequate.

As a result, the typefaces are limited. Icons are not properly arranged. Computers crash constantly.

Travellers often call at travel agencies or the nearest MAS office. Guess what? Bookings cannot be made. Onwards flights cannot be confirmed. Why? The computer system is down again.

At small and medium-sized companies, few workers know whether their computers are Y2K-compliant although the new millennium is only a few months away.

Ask traders why they have not taken full advantage of electronic commerce and the likely response is "What's that?" and "How can you benefit from it?"

At overseas offices of quasi-government organisations like Tourism Malaysia, you find that not a single PC is in sight. How do they communicate with their headquarters? Make long-distance phone calls, of course.

If a few units are in service, the likelihood is that employees have bought and installed the PCs themselves.

The home truth is that you cannot expect people to scale greater heights in the IT sphere when they do not know the basics or the advantages of using a PC.

There seems to be a dire need to educate the citizens on the benefits of the computer age and also to equip them with the tools which will open the door to the future.

For major companies, investment in quality equipment pays dividends. Installation of back-up systems should be a priority.

For the police force and government departments, funds should be allocated to PC purchases and staff training in the rudiments of computer usage. The acquisition of new computer skills is essential for the rank-and-file as well as senior officers.

Only when Malaysians from all walks of life get the hang of computer usage can we venture into the exciting dimensions of cyberspace.

Ultimately, we can transform a dream into reality and share Dr Mahathir's vision on the same plane. Yes, Malaysia can. The ball is in our court. Let's get cracking.
 
OBSERVER, Hong Kong (via e-mail)