Malaysia is a beautiful country with abundant resources. Its hill tracts covered with dense rainforests and surrounding seas offer splendid views that charm all those who visit. Early in the morning, one is touched by the natural beauty of the country, especially in the picturesque islands of Penang and Langkawi. An eminent western travel journalist said of Penang: "He who has never visited Penang in Malaysia has been deprived of witnessing much gracefulness of the Earth."

Malaysia's rainforests are among the oldest on the planet, and are teeming with rare species of wild animals and colourful birds. Malaysia enjoys a summer climate year round, with almost all regions of the country sharing the same climate. The internal road communication networks, tourism centres and shopping facilities are very comfortable and congenial. I was impressed by the reception given to me by the Malaysian people and the sense of security I felt as a visitor.

I visited seven out of the fourteen provinces in Malaysia, which included Kuala Lampur, Penang, and Malekka. During our visits, that ranged from the airport to remote villages, we observed that this nation has a balanced sphere of national development. The Malaysian government strictly maintains discipline, long-term planning, and development, as well as an effective law and order situation.

The highways and roads are wide and well planned with structured traffic signals, thus reducing the chances of traffic congestion and road mishaps. Their well-designed vehicle parking centres, fantastic high-rise shopping malls, and fly-overs have greatly reduced traffic jams in almost all the cities. Also sound and air pollution are absent due to the restrictions on honking horns and setting up of exhaust pipes to the roof level. Despite the fact that the use of polythene is not restricted, there is no evidence of misuse of polythene. Most of the cities are observed to be neat, clean, and less crowded, which helps the citizens and tourists lead a free-roaming, peaceful life.

Malaysians are pious and conservative Muslims. However, they are not extremist in nature. Their cultural heritage is renowned throughout the world. Malaysia is home to a world famous Buddhist monument that is situated on top of the highest hill in Penang. Although it is an Islamic country, all sorts of mixed drinks are available to the public. Muslims, Hindus, and Buddhists peacefully live side-by-side. Whenever I went, I was entertained cordially.

All Malaysian citizens are ensured of civic rights, which is an important indicator of development. Gender disparity is not a factor in Malaysia. All government and non-government organisations support women's participation as a vital factor in nation building. According to the women's affairs ministry, women's oppression, as well as other anti-social practices, such as dowry, child marriage, and polygamy are not issues in their society. Bear in mind that all anti-social activities are viewed as hindrances to development initiatives.

Most Malaysians appear to be very conscious of nature and their environment. They plant trees along every highway and by the foot of every mountain. It is worth mentioning that Malaysia has already declared its intention to grow the world's largest forest reserve in the near future. Every Malaysian is well habituated to pay tax to the government. People are offering taxes or tolls for the sake of the nation's development, which indicates their deep love for their motherland.

Furthermore, the government is sincere and committed to the country's welfare and comprehensive development. Political disturbances of any kind related to anti-government campaigns were not observed during our visit. Although it was impossible to look into all the successful endeavours and to find the influencing factors behind the development of this nation, it can easily be concluded that Malaysia has miraculously achieved tremendous success within the short span of twenty-two years.

In Malaysia, the issues of population and education are addressed very differently from Bangladesh. Although Malaysia is three times larger than Bangladesh in terms of area, its total population is a mere 24 million as compared to Bangladesh's 140 million. Due to its low population, the government of Malaysia encourages couples to have up to five children, which is the opposite scenario from our country.

The literacy rate of Malaysia is above 99%, while in Bangladesh it is only 65%. Clearly, Malaysia focuses on education, and so in a discussion session presented by the Economic Planning Unit, I asked the presenter: "Why does the government emphasise the education sector as opposed to other important sectors like health and home affairs?"

He replied: "Education gives a nation consciousness and fosters real patriotism, which later leads one to generate various devices for self development as well as to improve the welfare of the entire country." All education authorities in Bangladesh should implement this ideal.

Less than two decades ago, Malaysia was under-developed in comparison to Bangladesh. Today Malaysia can boast of the tallest business tower in the world, electronic products that are highly valued in competitive overseas markets, and a well-developed extensive communications network. Malaysia is also home to the longest bridge in Asia (15 km) that provides easy access to the state of Penang.

Malaysia has furthermore made commendable progress in poverty alleviation. In 1970, the overall poverty incidence was 52.4%. According to statistics provided in the year 2002, 5.1% of Malaysians live in poverty, of which only 2% are below the poverty line. On the other hand, an astonishing 40% of Bangladesh suffers from poverty.

The efforts made by both governmental and nongovernmental organizations to alleviate poverty in the last two decades are truly remarkable. Bangladesh needs to focus on accelerating industrialisation and other development processes in order to achieve the level of success that is already evident in Malaysia.

All their success has been possible due to honest leadership, which our country has yet to achieve. The former prime minister of Malaysia, Dr. Mahathir Muhammad, also the architect and implementer of modern thought in Malaysia, paid a visit to Bangladesh last year.

During his visit, he highlighted some important national issues and gave suggestions for our rapid development in light of his experience during his tenure in Malaysia. I would like to appeal to our intellectuals and national leaders -- both ruling and in opposition -- to follow his advice for the greater good of our homeland.

Kbd. M. A Matin is Assistant Manager, PKSF, Dhaka.