Let us abide by the principle that the nation is bigger than any individual or organisation and only borderless minds can create a borderless society.

Having tasted the fruits of development, Malaysians are hungry for more education, more opportunities, more development.  But their dreams of a prosperous and united Malaysia seems precariously shattered as the demons of divisive politics and norm of racial sentiments, the gaping economic inequalities, the increasing racial sentiments, and insecurity at our borders, tear into the vitals of the nation, and the very idea of nationhood.

After 56 years of independence under such conditions, what has been done to preserve the core and concept of 1Malaysia?

The fundamental ingredient in the evolution of a happy, peaceful and a prosperous nation is laying the foundation for sustainable development. As a global society - particularly as an emerging and developing nation - our nation has its defining moment in history.  With the advent of moving into its 56th year of Independence, we need our times of consistent prosperity with inclusion, development with equity and industrialisation and environmental concern.

There is a large-scale divide between the rural and urban, which can be identified - which are manifested in the income levels and the quality of human amenities - is a matter of concern with regards to the sustenance of peace and prosperity.

We now have to evolve  sustainable development system within the realms of providing urban amenities in rural areas, by harnessing the potential rural masses of our nation, which can be termed as PURA (Provision of Urban Amenities in Rural Areas). Societal transformation can be achieved within the implementation of PURA. It can be implemented by the federal and state governments along with the many private and educational sector initiatives.

PURA is an amalgamation of technology, people, traditions, skills and entrepreneurial spirit to achieve sustainable development that is financially viable, socially equitable and eco friendly. PURA can be  vehicle for a variety of stakeholders - the government, the private sector and community - can closely work towards a socio-economic development based on empowerment rather than endowment.

The fundamental in the evolution of a happy, peaceful and prosperous nation is laying the foundation for sustainable development. As a developing and emerging nation - Malaysia’s standards at its defining moment in history leaping into its 56 years of independence, we have to seriously address the needs of our times for prosperity with inclusion, development, with equity and industrialisation and environmental concern.

The inertia that has gripped the national psyche, the mindset of defeat.  

Thinking is the capital, Enterprise is the way, Working and implementation the solution. Leadership must lead us to prosperity.

We have to create a nation where poverty has been totally eradicated and illiteracy removed. We need to evolve a society where crimes against women and children are absent and none in the society feels alienated.

Don’t pretend to be a candle, be a moth. Know the power hidden in serving. We seem to have got stuck with external forms of politics and mistaking them to be nation building. Work with your conscience. Conscience is the light of the sun that burns within the chamber of our hearts.

Oh, Parliamentarians, the sculptors of our nation,

lead us to light and enrich our lives.

Your honest toil is our guiding light.

If you work hard, we can all prosper.

[Note: Much of the information has been sourced from the books of APJ Abdul Kalam.]

THURAISINGHAM SHAN is a cooperative and management consultant.