We're only 49 years old. Actually, in 1980s our ex PM, Tun Dr. Mahathir introduced a policy "Dasar Pandang ke Timur" (Looking to the East policy) which makes Japan and South Korea as our models. We've made our own cars, shifted from agricultural nation towards industrial nation. (actually Malaysia want to defeat Singapore in economical power ... and still doing so!!). Most of the companies (especially plantations) owned by British were taken over by Malaysians via buying majority of the shares in London.

Then in 1990s, a new policy introduced by the same PM, "Vision 2020" of which in 2020 Malaysia would be developed nation.

Current PM, Abdullah Bedawi introduced many ISlamic elements in his leadership and introduced a new policy called "Islam Hadhari" (Civilizational Islam), which Malaysian would start it's own golden civilization... especially in sciences and technology ... and believe would lead other Muslim nations.