By Shaikh Mohd Saifuddeen Shaikh Mohd Salleh, Research Officer,
                  Institute of Islamic Understanding Malaysia (IKIM)

                  A FRIEND from Scotland once remarked, "You Malaysians are special. You
                  have different races who can enjoy a drink at one table without much fuss".

                  His comments might sound unremarkable to the average Malaysian. This is
                  simply because we see this happening on a daily basis so much so that we
                  have taken the scenario for granted. It is often the case that we forget to be
                  thankful when we start to take things for granted.

                  Today, Malaysia celebrates its 42th anniversary as an independent nation.
                  Within that short span of time, Malaysia has succeeded in many areas.

                  From the social perspective, it is not a simple feat to create a harmonious
                  multiracial multireligious society. During the pro-independence era, the British
                  propagated the "divide-and-rule" policy which saw the three main races, viz
                  Malays, Chinese and Indians, segregated in kampungs, towns and plantation
                  estates respectively.

                  This created an imbalance in terms of economic wealth and social status. The
                  Malays were known to be farmers, the Chinese were commonly businessmen
                  while the Indians were generally rubber tappers.

                  While socio-economic problems were looming during the early years of
                  independence, another challenge awaited the nation in the form of creating a
                  stable society with respects and understanding towards one another, in
                  particular a society with such diverse background in terms of race and religion.

                  Somehow Malaysia has managed to do so, though not without hiccups. One
                  such hiccup was the racial riot of May 13th in 1969.

                  The riot of 1969 continues to serve as a reminder to us all of the need to be
                  tolerant, moderate and understanding.

                  We cannot afford another incident such as the one seen three decades ago.
                  Those who were born after 1969 must not be oblivious to this incident.

                  In a way, the 1969 riot brought forth a blessing in disguise. What followed was a
                  unique social re-engineering programme. This programme, the New Economic
                  Policy (NEP), was the turning point for Malaysia.

                  Malaysia is a nation rich with natural and human resources. As such the
                  economic cake was large enough for everyone to share. The NEP has
                  succeeded in giving Malaysians a fair share of the economic cake.

                  The Malaysian success story was dubbed a miracle by many observers. Many
                  were impressed with the phenomenal changes in the social, economic and
                  technological fabrics of the country.

                  Malaysia shifted from an agrarian nation into an industrial nation. Kuala Lumpur
                  is one of the most modern city in the world today. If Yap Ah Loy were still alive,
                  he would probably be astounded with the many changes in the city.

                  No longer is Malaysia a sleepy backwater colony that once depended heavily
                  on tin and rubber as its main exports. Now Malaysia is a dynamic, vibrant and
                  progressing nation with computer chips and automobiles as part of its exports.

                  The economic crisis that hit the nation as a result of the tomyam domino effect
                  of July 1997 also serves as another reminder of the need for Malaysians to be
                  vigilant. We must never take our success for granted.

                  Somehow, the nation has managed to bounce back in spite of initial criticisms
                  and scepticism voiced out by the international media, experts and observers.

                  Another miracle? Perhaps, but crediting the turnaround as a miracle would only
                  make some of us feel that there is no need to work harder and be proactive.

                  The economics guru, Paul Krugman said that the crisis is over. A column by
                  Thomas L. Friedman in the New York Times last week read "Give credit where
                  credit's due" attributing the turnaround to Malaysia's leadership.

                  During a visit to the Institute of Islamic Understanding Malaysia (Ikim) a few
                  days ago, Professor Muhammad Atiqul Haque, a renowned author and ulama
                  from Bangladesh, accredited Malaysia's strong and good leaders as the secret
                  to the nation's success.

                  This only highlights the importance for Malaysia to continue to produce leaders
                  who are charismatic, far-sighted and responsible in order for Malaysia to
                  sustain this independence that we have today.

                  It is also equally important for the younger generation of Malaysians in
                  particular to truly appreciate the value of independence.

                  Merdeka is more than just a hollow word uttered on the last day of August on
                  an annual basis. The National Day is also more than just a holiday.

                  In truth, independence is invaluable. It cannot be measured in terms of ringgit
                  and sen. It cannot be bought nor can it be sold.

                  The blood, the sweat and the tears of our forefathers struggling to achieve our
                  nation's independence are priceless. Let's not throw their struggle into the drain
                  by ignoring the lessons learnt from our long history.

                  What began in Melaka circa 1400 A.D. as a small fishing village, became an
                  empire within a span of a few decades. This "Malay Camelot" was much envied
                  by the great powers of those days.

                  The empire fell in 1511 as a result of bickering and jealousy amongst the people
                  of Melaka themselves.

                  After 546 years, the nation's pride was redeemed when Malaya became
                  independent. Like a phoenix, Malaya (which later became Malaysia) has risen
                  from the ashes and is now one of the most respected nations in the world.

                  What of the future? Malaysia has a lot of untapped potential. From the
                  economics perspective, Malaysia can look forward to becoming a resilient
                  economic force of Asia with the manufacturing, construction, transport,
                  communication and service sectors playing an important role.

                  In international politics, Malaysia sets to continue its role as the leader of
                  developing nations and third world countries. Technologically, the nation has the
                  ability to become an advanced nation with the information and communication
                  technology as the driving force.

                  With all these potential and promises for a great future ahead, let us be
                  reminded that we should not repeat the same mistakes that we see from
                  history. Melaka fell because of internal squabbling and petty jealousy. History
                  has proven that those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it.

                  All throughout the 42 years of independence, Malaysia has been through a lot.
                  We have had our share of successes and problems in all areas be they social,
                  political or economics. We pride ourselves with each of our nation's successes
                  and we learn from the problems that we faced.

                  The glory is not from never having fallen, rather the glory lies in the ability to rise
                  each time we fall. The economic recovery that we are witnessing today is a true
                  epitome of this.

                  And today, on the day that our country celebrates its 42nd anniversary of
                  independence, we are all indeed proud of our country. Again, the pride is shared
                  by all regardless of race and creed.

                  The Scottish friend has always been amazed by this. He said that it is even
                  difficult to have a Scotsman and an Englishman on the same table having a cup
                  of tea.

                  But here in Malaysia, we can have a Malay, a Chinese and an Indian sitting at a
                  warung enjoying teh tarik.

                  Let's not take this for granted.

                  Happy 42nd birthday, Malaysia.