I have a special birthday next week. This year, there is something grand to celebrate: a brand new beginning, the promise of hope and a sincere intention to make right so many wrongs. A grand game plan indeed, but it’s actually not mine but that of Malaysia Baru. See, I share the same birthday with the country, and this year is special because it’s a special Merdeka – we’re celebrating Malaysia 2.0!

No matter how you rate the country now or what you think of the current Government, there is no denying that Malaysia has taken an enormous leap forward in its political evolution in the last few months. It’s no small feat to remove the oldest ruling coalition in the world in a peaceful, bloodless transition. People went to great lengths to make that a reality. We could teach other countries a thing or two about political engagement.