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Embracing innovation, diversification, execution and accountability means that we need not play catch-up anymore, and we can stop comparing ourselves to nations below any believable index.

TWO weeks ago I advocated the idea of redefining Malaysia to suit the current times. I now find myself writing another piece on Malaysia Day.

But I am far too cynical for writing something on appreciating the significance and value of Malaysia Day.

Instead, I want to focus on how Malaysia can take steps to transform itself into a successful economy once more.

The Prime Minister’s dandy idea in transforming Malaysia using the NKRA methodology, powering economic growth, socio-economic development, developing and retaining a first world talent base is indeed very much in the right direction.

Of course, these matter little when one notes that Malaysia has, since 2008, consistently failed to stem an alarming drop in the World Economic Forum’s Global Competitive Index and edges precariously closer to being out of the Top 30 most competitive economies.

Let us not talk about our public universities where the less is said the better. I am sure there is a strategic plan somewhere to boost their rankings.

The tabling of the next Malaysia plan and budget is critical in this regard. Bold and concrete plans must be afoot to reflect this desire in transforming Malaysia.

But we no longer can procrastinate anymore thinking that the world will wait and accept us.

As Bill Gates once wrote about Business @ the Speed of Thought, how we change and react will determine how well we successfully transform ourselves.

On my part, I wish to put forward an IDEA, which I now state in broad terms, which I hope will act as an accelerator in realising this transformation.

As corny as it sounds, the acronym IDEA, stands for innovation, diversification, execution and accountability – principles I feel are essential in transforming Malaysia.

By innovation, we should start shedding all our prejudices, stereotyping and shadows that impede us. We can achieve more if we start viewing all Malaysians as strategic partners and stakeholders and not with inward-looking and xenophobic lenses.

We must make it a priority to re-invent ourselves and we can start by looking at how we approach transforming Malaysia.

By asking the right and sometimes difficult questions and developing a thirst for knowledge, we create an environment where we can all strive to better ourselves and better the nation.

The key to innovation is the convergence of education, being adventurous and unconventional thinking. Laws and rules that may have served us well three decades ago must be reviewed and adapted to suit the current needs.

Our plural past must be viewed intelligently as a means to propel us forward and not to shackle our physical and mental existence.

In essence, innovation by experimenting a wholesome, one identity Malaysia is an essential ingredient to this transformation.

Diversification is critical in innovating our economic growth. We can no longer believe that our export manufacturing sector will provide a safe cushion of jobs and investments.

Whilst we have natural resources in abundance, it will peak and decline at some point and we will be dependent on imports and outside resources.

Never has it been a better time to use this wealth to diversify and transform the nation’s economy where we can be self reliant.

The government’s advisers must think and act outside the proverbial box if it wants to encourage a real and meaningful economic revolution.

If it is at the expense of rent seekers, then so be it. Key industries like education, research and development, new medical technologies, tourism and green technology are businesses of the future.

We must empower and equip our talent base to be the new bellwethers and captains of these industries and not mere followers and counterfeiters.

In this regard, the petrodollars we derive should be earmarked for development of these key growth areas.

Execution is paramount. It is often abundantly clear that Malaysians are great planners but poor executioners.

Our best laid plans cannot get waylaid and we must be brave in executing what is best for Malaysia.

Had Columbus wavered, America may not have been discovered. It is time we stopped dithering as the real Malaysia can be found, only if we allow so.

Finally, when we talk about accountability, we juxtapose this notion in everything that we do.

To me accountability and ownership are synonymous in this regard.

If the Government truly believes that it is the only catalyst of change then it must act the part and be accountable for its actions.

It marks a sense of maturity if the Government is accountable for its actions as they are responsible for laying its foundations and execution.

By subscribing to the IDEA, we can successfully build a nation capable of standing up and finding itself in this competitive world.

Embracing the concept means that we need not play catch-up anymore and we can stop comparing ourselves to nations below any believable index.

We need to, once and for all, use the IDEA to quantum leap into the driver’s seat.

As we are a part of an Asia Pacific economy that includes China, Japan and India, we cannot afford to stagger into a state of affairs where we are subservient to others.

The IDEA will allow us to take charge, control and most importantly lead our own destiny and dominance and this, must be the pivotal issue on this Malaysia Day.

The writer is a member of the National Young Lawyers Committee of the Bar Council. Putik Lada, or pepper buds in Malay, captures the spirit and intention of this column – a platform for young lawyers to articulate their views and aspirations about the law, justice and a civil society. For more information about the young lawyers, please visit www.malaysianbar.org.my