First World Facilities, Third World Mentality

I have come across in recent weeks various articles that spoke about the plight of a few individuals that have made a strong point regarding their achievement which have failed to gain the attention locally. Such reports that had surfaced included articles regarding about the plight of our independant film makers and sportmans. It seems that we have a large community of high achievers in our country who have struggled to capture the attention of the local authority. Such struggle include having to gain support from local govenrment in terms of financial aids which they depend on heavily to succeed or accomplish their dreams. Its pretty funny to read about local heroes making an impression on foreign soil rather than in our own backyard. Many movie makers for instance had their film recognised in international showcase but were disregard by own very own people. A clear example would be the success of the movie Pontianak in film festivals in Japan and Spain. Other than that, many sportman have even show great ability to gain reputable standings in international competition yet struggle to obtain the necessary fundings to meet every competition they attend. Such plight was reported over the newspaper regarding the insufficient aids that our fellow rally drivers, Karamjit Singh and Allen Oh who have stated that they might pull out of the race if they are unable to obtain RM500,000 for their next race.

It seems pretty obvious that no wonder many of our local talents and intellectuals have migrated to pursue their careers overseas. There is a segment in the The Star that report on local heroes who have made it big on foreign soil both in their profession or accomplisments. I feel pretty embarassed that we have the guts to acquire credits for their achievements as Malaysians though we have deprieved them of so much by driving them out of the country.This is due to limited oppurtunity to succeed in Malaysia. A clear example would be the huge amount of local Chinese singers who have made Taiwan as their home base in order to succeed. It seems a common trend to say one is Malaysian if he is born in this country yet have migrated to another country. One such example is associating Malaysia with the current Australian Idol, Guy Sebastian who was born in Klang yet spend most his growing up in Australia. Is this how we label Malaysians to be?

As I looked and observed from the various news I hear or read, there is not a shadow of doubt that Malaysia is blessed with so much talent. However, this talents do not stay in Malaysia and have gone to other countries where they have reap the benefits of their talents instead of us. Its pretty ironic don't you think that we are actually providing resources to other countries rather than our own. The more ironic thing is hearing report over the news that we are lack of manpower or resources to progress in any area. Such scenarios are obvious in particular the Malaysia sports arena. We are more concern and worry about the economy than the fact that the reason in the increased in currency exchange is due to migration of our very best people to other countries instead. Its a pity that we have failed to realise the big picture instead and have taken notice of the smaller one. It seems pretty obvious for me to say that we have First World Talents, Third World Approach in Utilising the cream of our nation.