|
|
| |
Malaysians are indeed a lucky lot. The country is rich in mineral resources and
the soil is fertile. Despite the floods during monsoon seasons, they are never
the devastating kind that is seen in other parts of the world. There are no
volcanoes and there hardly has ever been a serious earthquake. The geographical
position meant even that the tsunami that struck 14 countries and claimed over
300,000 lives in a matter of hours gave the country a miss.
The able leadership that the country has seen has helped Malaysia move away from
the sole dependence on primary commodities and agriculture. Where rubber used to
mean Malaya, today, the master-stroke that led to the development of oil palm
estates has made her one of the major exporters of the commodity palm oil.
Scientific approaches have helped her move to the forefront of palm oil
production, research and development. In fact, today she is sought after for the
knowledge and know-how in this field.
The policy of Foreign Direct Investment has helped the country grow richer.
Political and social stability and an educated workforce make her more desirable
for the investor. Investment in infrastructure, including a network of modern
highways, airports, ports and railway lines have made travel and transportation
nicely efficient. Investments in telecommunications and information technology
have successfully erased the isolation of rural communities.
Manufactured exports such as electronics, electrical machinery and appliances,
chemicals and chemical products, wood products, textiles and cloth highlight the
producer friendly atmosphere that has successfully been established for the
investor. Non-manufactured exports such as palm oil, crude petroleum, Liquefied
Natural Gas, timber, cocoa and rubber show the diversified opportunities made
prevalent.
It is the manufacturing sector that has helped the Malaysian economy grow. In
fact, manufactured goods make up almost four-fifths of all exports. Investments
in downstream activities have meant that the palm oil, timber and rubber
industries have seen a growth in oleo-chemicals, latex catheters, surgical
gloves and wooden furniture.
The nation's own petroleum giant has moved beyond developing just the country's
oil and gas reserves to be an active participant in oil field activities around
the globe. Logically enough, the brand promotion of Petronas has given it
recognition throughout the business world.
Malaysia's own car industry has seen her transformation from importer to
exporter. From the modest start with a single model which was a rehashed version
of a Japanese model, the country has now forged ahead with the potential to
expand all over the world. The greatest testimony of her success is the
dedication and seriousness with which this industry is approached.
The greatest strength of Malaysia is the respect and tolerance with which the
populace treat each other and each day. Malays, Chinese and Indians make the
major colours of the country's diaspora. The peace with which they live brings
up many lessons for the international community. The major festivals of three
religions are celebrated in a free spirit of inter-religious appreciation. The
localised ethnic communities also get their due recognition. |
| |
|
|
Answer the following questions using complete
sentences |
| |
1. |
From paragraph 1, what
natural disaster gave Malaysia a wide berth ? |
| |
2. |
(a) Which commodity was
Malaya famous for ?
(b) What commodity is
Malaysia famous for ? |
| |
3. |
(a) From paragraph 4, what does the
export of manufactured products point to ?
(b) To your own knowledge, what are
the two greatest manufactured products from Malaysia ? |
| |
4. |
(a) From paragraph 7, in your
own words explain the phrase "from importer to exporter."
(b) What are the three main
festivals celebrated by the three main communities in Malaysia ? |
| |
5. |
What characteristic among
Malaysians is worthy of emulation by the international community ?
Characteristic : ____________
Reason : ____________ |
| |
6. |
Based on the passage, write a
summary of :
• The factors that make
Malaysia a successful country.
• The good benefits that
peaceful co-existence means for the world. |
|
|
|
|
|
Sponsored Links
|
| |
| Answers |
| |
1. |
The tsunami that killed over
300,000 people in 14 countries. |
| |
2. |
(a) Rubber (b)
Palm Oil |
| |
3. |
(a) The business-friendly
atmosphere created to attract foreign investors.
(b) (i) Any suitable
answer. (ii) Any suitable answer |
| |
4. |
(a) Malaysia used to import
all its cars. When it started to manufacture its own cars with Proton
Holdings Berhad, it became an exporter. Proton cars are exported to many
countries.
(b) They are Hari Raya Puasa,
Chinese New Year and Deepavali. |
| |
5. |
Characteristic : The
characteristic that is worthy of emulation by everybody else is the
mutual respect and acceptance that underscores Malaysian life.
Reason : In Malaysia, the
racial and religious diversity ahs proven to be a happy mix of peaceful
co-existence. If this were emulated by the international community,
there would be more peace in the world. |
| |
6. |
The greatest factors that
make Malaysia a successful country is political and economic stability.
The political stability is the mark of mature politicians who lead with
honour and respect that is emulated by the rest. Economic and
developmental policies established over the years of cooperative
consultation have resulted in an amenable atmosphere for investments by
foreign companies. A scientific approach to the industries of
manufactured and unmanufactured goods has led to the expansion of
opportunities for everybody. The peaceful coexistence of Islam,
Christianity, Taoism and Hinduism is one that is worthy of emulation
everywhere because Malaysia becomes that microcosm that represents what
the global macrocosm should really be. the custom of 'open house' during
major festivals is a clear indication of the peace and harmony in the
country. |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
