THE obsession of our ruling elite, with Dubai, or countries where their former colonial masters reside, or which were part of their colonial empire, continues even after 78 years. This colonial legacy and curse must cease. There is a vast difference between Dubai, located in a desert, and Pakistan with its fertile green land, mountains, valleys and rivers etc. It goes to the credit of Dubai/UAE rulers, who have transformed a barren desert to a financial hub center and a tourist attraction. They have been able to achieve this with enforcement of laws in their territory, ensuring that religious harmony prevails. Although 99.9% of the majority local population of UAE are Muslims, there exists no extremist religious group, nor has the state ever exploited religious card. What you witness instead is tight regulatory control over religious institutions, ensuring that under no circumstances they get involved in politics, or sow seeds of disharmony etc.
The rulers of UAE states have encouraged growth of universities of excellence and repute to be set up in their country. They offer subsidies to their citizens, who wish to pursue higher education. It is indeed heartening to see Emirati women become part of the workforce. It makes logical sense to witness real estate development projects emerge in the emirates, catering to accommodation of foreign qualified and semi-skilled foreigners. Artificial lakes have been built, and green patches have emerged and trees planted in the desert. Dairy farms have been built, alongwith green-houses using drip technology for agriculture produce. What you don’t see is emergence and mushrooming of so- called religious seminaries. Instead, schools were built imparting education in science, mathematics, economics etc. alongwith lessons in morals and ethics, and the tolerance, which Islam emphasizes. Pakistan a country, created by its founding fathers to function as a modern democratic welfare state for all citizens, has been hijacked by men, sans vision and intellect, to become a nation that has become a sanctuary for extremists of all shades. Forests have been wiped out and millions of acres of green fertile land, which produced food, enough to meet needs of all, have been replaced with concrete jungles by powerful Land Mafia cartels and their nexus with powerful stake holders.
Pakistan’s political leadership and powerful stake holders must adopt Malaysia as their role model. There are similarities in landscape of both countries, having fertile green pastures, natural and human resources. Majority of their leaders hold MAJ and Allama Iqbal in high esteem. Malaysia, like Pakistan has been under years of colonial occupation.
Healthy nationalism is displayed, by Malaysia’s leaders. You will rarely see an elected public office holder, or a paid government officer drive in a foreign limousine. They use vehicles made in Malaysia. The state levies more road taxes on foreign made vehicles, than on local. You witness large majority of Muslims, comprising 63.5% of 34Million population, display the tolerance and ethics of Islam, instead of rhetoric and symbolism in our country. The state offers subsidized education and health to its citizens, with emphasis on science and technology. With exception of former tainted PM Najib, no prominent politician owns assets located abroad, or has a foreign bank account. The Malaysian constitution does not allow its citizens to hold foreign citizenship. Malaysia was lucky that they had Tunku Abdur Rehman at helm when Malaya, a colony under occupation was liberated on 31 August 1957. He ensured that the country has a constitution with a parliamentary democracy, and a constitutional monarchy, which is unique in the sense it is held by rotation for a 5year term. Malaysia, as it exists today, is a multi-ethnic and multi religious nation, which came into existence on 16 September 1963, through a proclamation by consensus.
Their per capita income is $13,315, a GDP of $445.5Billion, FOREX reserves $113.3Billion and a literacy rate of 95.71%. Austerity is practiced, starting from the top. It comprises of 13 states/provinces, and three federal territories. Kuala-Lumpur is their capital and their administrative center exists at Pura Jaya, including the PM office, parliament, federal branch, various ministries and their state bank, all located in close proximity. No citizens, irrespective of his status, is allowed to carry a weapon. Penalty for drug abuse or sale is death or life imprisonment.
The Yang-di-Pertuan-Agong/ king is the constitutional head of state, elected by 9 rulers of Malay states, who retained their royal status, for a non-extendable, rotational basis.
Malaysia is one of the few countries with an elected monarchy system. However, the king is bound to act on advice of the Cabinet and does not have discretionary powers to dismiss an elected PM, who commands majority in Dewan Rakyat, the directly elected lower house of parliament. The PM can only be dismissed through a vote of no-confidence. There exists a single Islamic Affairs Council, appointed by the king, with jurisdiction over three Federal Territories. He also appoints State Mufti in each state. It has 18.7% Buddhists, 9.1% Christians, 6.1% Hindus etc. All of them live together in peace and harmony with each other, united to serve their country, with faith in their constitution and system. In Putra Mosque located next to PM Office, there is a separate section where non-Muslims can enter and observe people saying their prayers. The Holy Quran and other Islamic books, translated in Chinese, Korean Japanese are available, free of cost, for those interested. There has not been a single case of burning religious places of other faiths, nor has anyone been accused of committing blasphemy.
—The writer is contributing columnist, based in Lahore.
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