Look East policy an overall failure

 From Ronald Benjamin

It is no surprise that Dr Mahathir Mohamad has been parroting to the nation about the success of his Look East policy lately, when commemorating the 40th anniversary of the policy.

The reality is Malaysia is still stuck in the “middle income trap” because the Look East policy is centred on close government and business relationships, work ethics, subdued workers unions, and poor environmental consciousness.

We lack the overall understanding of governance that abhors corruption, of cabinet ministers with integrity and honesty, transparency in governance, and respect for integral ecology and human rights which are vital for work ethics and industrialisation to flourish in a purposeful direction. This also holds true of the corporate world.

We as nation are still far behind in good governance in comparison to countries like China, South Korea, Japan and Singapore.

What has made things worse over the years is the emergence of ethno-religious politics each time public accountability is demanded together with a demand for blind loyalty to leaders, a clear Mahathir legacy.

Today we have millions of cars on the roads that contribute to climate disasters, due to Mahathir’s Look East policy of misplaced industrial nationalism that has ignored the damage to the environment where future generations will carry the burden of negligence.

Of course, there were good things done during his tenure such as infrastructure development which are only a part of success rather than the overall process and system of success.

What the nation needs is good governance that respects moral integrity, environment and human rights. This could be found within our spiritual and religious traditions and in any part of the world with overall good governance, instead of going back to the so-called Look East policy that has become an overall failure. - FMT

Ronald Benjamin is secretary of the Association for Welfare Community and Dialogue and an FMT reader.

The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of MMKtT.