Malaysians proud of Proton and KLCC, IIU survey finds
People surround the Proton Preve during its launch. Proton was identified as one of the country’s milestones by the survey’s respondents.—File picKUALA LUMPUR, Aug 30 — Malaysians celebrating the country’s 55th Independence anniversary tomorrow are certainly proud of their country and its many sterling achievements.
This is one of the findings of a study conducted by the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) among three age groups — “Gen Y” (21-35), Post- Merdeka (36-50) and Merdeka and Pre-Merdeka (above 51).
The study headed by Prof Datuk Syed Arabi Aidid of the university’s Communication Studies Department was to reflect on the country’s achievements since Merdeka and to recognise the challenges ahead for Malaysians.
Ninety-two per cent of the respondents said they were proud of their country and had identified the physical and economic transformation as being among the greatest achievements for the nation since Merdeka.
Another notable finding of the study sanctioned by the National Professors’ Council is that Malaysians view the peace and racial harmony that is very much the country’s hallmark being another remarkable achievement since Merdeka.
The respondents pointed out at the world-renowned landmarks — Putrajaya, Cyberjaya, KLCC and KLIA — and brands — Proton and Petronas — as Malaysia’s major milestones since attaining independence.
They were also proud of Malaysia’s ability to host major international events like the Commonwealth Games and the achievements of its citizens — the country’s first astronaut Datuk Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor, first Malaysian to scale Mount Everest (Datuk N. Mohanadas) and badminton champion (Datuk Lee Chong Wei).
The study, co-ordinated by Azrul Hisyam Wakichan, included the findings from similar studies in 2009 and 2011 to provide an in-depth outcome for the 2012 study.
The study also found that 88 per cent of Malaysians, especially the “Gen Y”, were highly optimistic of the country achieving its 2020 Vision and another 84 per cent viewed favourably the 1 Malaysia concept.
The study notes that the “Gen Y” is more appreciative of the 1 Malaysia concept compared with the other two age groups, with the younger generation seeing the concept beyond racial unity and as the way forward in the world of today. — Bernama
