Developed countries without exception have high regard for the education of their children. Education is a major item in their national budget, and the preparation of teachers is a matter of widespread interest and concern. The teachers are adequately paid, and the profession is a respected career choice. The ministers of education are chosen for their experience and wisdom in academic matters.

School facilities are kept in good repair, and a supportive staff is available to provide daily cleaning and upkeep services. Each school is provided with a trained and experienced principal, who is given enhanced salary, a separate office and a secretary. Typically a cafeteria staff prepares a nutritious lunch for all students and faculty, the food cost often supported by the public purse.

In developed countries the roads are kept in good condition, with hazardous conditions promptly corrected. The roads are engineered for proper drainage, the turns banked sufficiently to make transit safe and efficient. Center lines and shoulders are both well marked with white and yellow paint, and often reflectors are used as well to aid travelers at night.

In developed countries clean water is provided for all houses. It is always treated to kill pathogenic organisms and delivered under constant pressure. The pipes are made of permanent material that is designed to withstand extreme conditions. There are reservoirs and tanks in the water system to keep a reliable water supply during periods of high demand. When the pipes are opened for any reason, adequate provision is made to flush the lines before reconnection is made to prevent extraneous material from entering the system.

Storm drainage is provided to remove ground water after rains, and special provision is made by installing larger drains to carry off excess water in areas subject to flooding. Sewage is provided for all homes and businesses, and the lines are kept clear and sealed. Broken or clogged lines are repaired by crews trained and kept available for this service.

It would not seem necessary to mention these basic amenities, as they appear obvious to all, but in this age of airplanes, television and computers it seems that administrators forget them. In the desire to catch up with more developed nations, the fundamentals seem to be overlooked. When comparisons between countries are made on the basis of computers, telephones, and internet connections per 1,000 population, it is easy to overlook the preliminary necessity of installing basic utilities.

Malaysia has announced plans to achieve the status of a developed country by 2020, now only nineteen years away. Yet much of the population still lives on unpaved roads. Water and electricity are marginal for rural areas. While children have free public education, the teachers are harassed to the point of demoralisation, have poor facilities and textbooks, and do not receive significant public support.

Poor families with many children must pay high fees for school services and examinations. The education ministry has the tightest budget in the administration, and its administrators and teachers are hamstrung by continual threats of punishment for their perceived political persuasion. Real estate developers are allowed to displace schools (along with fire stations and mosques).

But today the administration in Malaysia has announced a hopeful new program of rural development. The roads, bridges, water, sewage, drains and other municipal necessities are to be provided on a standardised basis to all of the 25,000 villages across the country. At least ten street lamps are to be given to each village. In the recent Lunas by-election the administration demonstrated what can be accomplished if there is sufficient political will to accelerate public works.

What is necessary now is to see the intent of the newly announced program translated into tangible action. If the administration is sincere, then a public relations office must be put into place to keep the public informed as to progress. Unless routine progress reports are given to the media, the current cynicism will remain.

The administration in Malaysia has a very poor record of keeping promises. It is difficult to recall a promise that has been kept. The promise to improve the infrastructure of the rural areas is one that is welcome, and is certainly something that is visible and valuable. Delivering immediate results on this program will go far toward restoring unity in the country. Because the administration has indicated that national unity is now a priority, there should be tangible results immediately.

Malaysia has spent enormous sums on such mega-projects as a Formula One race track, the notorious Bakun dam and the purchase of obsolete military technology such as used diesel submarines (and bases for them). Malaysia would be more wise to provide funding for the schools and teachers. For safety and convenience the roads should be paved and kept in repair. In most urban areas the sidewalks are hazardous. The drains are open, clogged and discharge noxious fumes.

Cleanliness is a serious problem. Outdoor advertising is an eyesore. The hordes of polluting two-cycle motorcycles are still legal after decades of complaint. Many emit ear-shattering noise. The law against smoke from vehicles is not enforced; bus owners are allowed to complain that the diesel fuel is of low quality. This claim cannot be supported. Simple tests show that engines in good condition using the same fuel do not smoke. The list of small but important changes that need to be made is long.

Malaysia may be a small country, but its itinerant prime minister has big ambitions. Big dreams may serve to salve a big ego, but they are a foolish extravagance for the people and the country. Better a man who can attend to smaller things that really matter.

As for the expanding urban areas, the administration would do well to send municipal leaders and planners on paid tours to Singapore. There is much to see and copy. The streets there are people friendly. It is a pleasant place to visit. As a result, tourists love it, flocking in on Singapore Airlines.