Look East policy still relevant

THE Look East Policy enunciated by Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad at the end of 1981 and elaborated on in early 1982 has run a course of more than three decades with, regrettably, very little to show for it. The anticipated renaissance of thought, industry, creativity, reinvention, research and development has not happened.

In the endeavour to emulate the work ethos of the East Asian countries, we overlooked some vital aspects of their disciplined society and governance systems. Countries in East Asia, in spite of their ageing population, continue to power ahead while Malaysia lags behind in almost every indicator in the socioeconomic index. Apart from hard work and giving free rein to private enterprise, these countries place significant value on honesty, integrity and mutual respect.