By LI LIANG SHI

 

AUGUST 9th marks an important day: the separation of Singapore from Malaysia 45 years ago. On the Malaysian side, MPs of the Alliance were instructed to vote for the separation, which was passed on that day after three readings. Over in Singapore, then PM Lee Kuan Yew broke the news on television and radio.

 

Forced to become independent, Singapore faced tough economic, defence and water supply problems.

Mr Lee once remarked that the city state could not survive on its own with neither hinterland nor natural resources. Nevertheless, after Aug 9, 1965, Mr Lee and his team rolled up their sleeves and resolutely tackled the 'mission impossible'. How would the nation carry on without the vast hinterland of Malaysia? That was the question on the minds of many. Even Malaysia was watching Singapore to see how it was going to survive independently.

Forty-five years have passed. Singapore has not gone back to Malaysia for help.

Through the efforts of three generations of leaders, Singapore has created numerous miracles, making the impossible possible. It overcame unemployment which stood at 10 per cent and achieved economic success that topped others in Southeast Asia. Singaporeans have joined the ranks of advanced nations in terms of GDP.

On water, Singapore has strived hard to develop its water sources to reduce its dependence on Malaysia. Singapore's water sources include more than 10 reservoirs, desalinated seawater and recycled water (Newater). Meanwhile, the use of water from Malaysia is being gradually reduced.

Singapore is also world renowned for the incorruptibility of its civil servants. These are results of the joint efforts as well as the sweat and blood of the entire nation. No gain without pain.

The theme of Singapore's 45th National Day is 'Live our dreams, fly our flag'. This city state with absolutely no natural resources is still striving to forge ahead and setting new visions. From having next to nothing yesteryear to having an abundance of food and clothing now, the Republic is proof of the importance of human resources.

Now take a look at Malaysia, an economically vibrant nation in the 1950s and 1960s which will be celebrating its 53rd National Day in three weeks' time. Its glory is now a thing of the past while Vision 2020 is still in progress. Many of its reforms are hampered by the nation's frameworks.

Its generations of leaders had dreams for Malaysians. However, will the dreams come true or will they stay dreams forever? Only time will tell. When will Malaysia, 53, achieve the success of Singapore at 45? Perhaps we will obtain answers to these questions in the future. -- Nanyang Siang Pau