Documentary Outlining Reasons Behind Malaysia S Brain Drain Proffers Solutions Sparking Heated Debate

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A SHORT “documentary” by Econ 10 posted on Youtube has sparked a heated debate.
The ten-minute clip purports to examine the reasons why Malaysians are leaving in droves when the country seemingly has everything – from the tropical splendour to beautiful beaches – not to mention the gastronomic delights.

It states that there are an estimated 1.8 million Malaysians living abroad as of 2002 and the country sadly has a higher rate of emigration than the global average.
The video further highlights certain issues it perceives to have led to this mass exodus. It cites lack of investment in education, affirmative policies and lack of equal opportunities as among the key reasons for its citizens leaving for greener pastures.

It also places a significant amount of blame for the segregation among the races at the door of the colonial masters. The consequences of the British’s conquer and divide policy is still reverberating today, it claims.
Above all else, the 10-minute video also proffers some solutions which include equal access to education opportunities.
Needless to say, it has elicited a lot of comments on the issue. One netizen highlighted the need for meritocracy.

A few suggested to stop blaming the British and to look at the current problem.

One Malaysian of Indian descent, in fact, thanked the British for bringing his ancestors to Malaysia.
After having experienced life in the “motherland”, he is clearly relieved to own a blue IC. He also pointed out the success of non-Malay entrepreneurs as a retort to the documentary’s insinuation that opportunities did not exist for minorities.

One commenter pointedly said Malaysia educates the best minds for the benefit of other nations.

Another netizen countered that racism – subtle or systemic – flowed both ways, painting a rather bleak picture of the current state of affairs.

More than one questioned the veracity of the “reportage”. One said the “grass always look greener on the other side”, contending that many western countries along with the neighbours across the Causeway have their own set of problems.

While the content of the video may be dismissed as over-simplistic by some, the fact remains that the brain drain is real.
The first thing towards finding a solution is acknowledging there is a real problem instead of pretending that it does not exist. Or worse, label these emigrants as ‘ungrateful’ and say ‘good riddance’ because this brain drain is causing a huge void in many crucial sectors such as healthcare.
As seen from the above, there were many opinions and perspectives. FocusM thinks that it is best for readers to view the clip themselves and to digest the many comments attached.
Whether one agrees or disagrees with the content of the clip, it is hoped that it will at least spark meaningful discussion on the topic and not to become an excuse for more racial finger-pointing.
Instead, it is hoped that more will express similar sentiments as this netizen.

- Focus Malaysia

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