The Duke of York & the odd vacuum cleaner

It was a delight to listen to HRH Duke of York, Prince Andrew on 29th August 2007, at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. Meeting and greeting British royalty for the first time, I was of course concerned of the social faux pas. His Royal Highness was both charming and witty in adddressing the crowd of Malaysian socialites, Chevening Scholars (past, present, possibly future), and Malaysians connected to the British education system in some way.

The Duke spoke in length of the relationship of Malaysia and UK for the past 50 years, indicating the dawning of a "new chapter" in terms of trade and education. Malaysia has such a history with the UK, from 1957 to 2007, a half century of post-colonial hang-ups. Almost like a child taking its first steps, throwing a tantrum and learning by knocks and falls.

What is crucial is the next 13 years, as we have little time in which to reach our goal of "developed nation", by 2020. In terms of trade and education, the UK has assisted us indeed in many ways, as the British High Commissionar announced, there will be an increase in Chevening Awards in the ensuing years.

The UK like the elderly parent now needs to advice us on issues like multiculturalism and human rights. We, like the adult offspring, should heed from the old man, and find ways to "take the good, and omit the bad". Malaysia's aspiration should not be to become the UK, but to become a better Malaysia. That is the next chapter in the story.

And as for the odd vacuum cleaner, well, a Dyson will come in handy. As we are all aware of, Malaysia is quite a veteran at shoving dirt under the carpet.

Happy Birthday Malaysia!