Wednesday, May 03, 2006

Australian's 'last wish' is to get PR status

That was one of the headlines in New Straits Times 3 May 2006.

This is interesting to say the least. A non-Malaysian who fell in love with the country and wants to spend the rest of his days here. I hope he gets his wish. There have been countless cases previously which tell almost the same story. A non-Malaysian falling for the charms that this country has and willing to uproot themselves from their country of origin in order to spend their life here.

This is in contrast to the reluctance shown by Malaysians who have made it good abroad and are in two minds about coming back here. Their only existing ties might still be some family and friends. I'm sure there are a multitude of factors which made them make that decision.

The government's efforts to stem this brain drain is pointless if the target does not feel attached to the country. No amount of incentive would change their mind since this country is not attractive to them anymore.

Maybe the government should look into giving better treatment to those who have stayed behind. They are the ones who have made the country what it is today through thick and thin. What we see now is still not perfect and no one country can claim that distinction.

With all its flaws, this country is what it is now through the efforts of those who stayed behind. This group of people should get better recognition for their contributions. This would surely make better economic sense that trying to woo those who have always been reluctant to come back from the beginning.

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