LETTERS: The Group of Seven (G7), formed in 1975, comprises economic powers from North America, Europe and Asia. Russia was co-opted into the elitist group in 1998, but its membership lasted only 16 years.
In the interim, some G7 countries have slipped in terms of gross domestic product (GDP), overtaken by countries which were described as impoverished and under-developed. Nobody expected them to rise, what more to outflank some G7 members.
There is really vicissitudes in the affairs of man. These new kids on the block are lucky in one sense. They have visionary leaders in their midst. They viewed poverty as not socialism and to be rich is glorious.
A true paradigm shift! Such unprecedented change of mindset and policy brings about sea changes. The once largely rural and backward countries were transformed. China in the late 70s and India in the early 90s underwent great changes.
Both have similarities and differences. China espouses communism and India is a stalwart of democracy. That did not deter them from turning to capitalism. Their sizeable populations, once deemed as a liability, is actually an asset.
Both countries have a huge domestic market and source of talents waiting to be tapped. When skillfully pooled and marshalled, they can make their countries great again. The important thing is having great leaders who know how to revive and revamp.
People trust them and readily rally to their clarion call. People are interested in their stories. Some want to learn their secrets of success. Some are eager to emulate them. As expected books on the rise of China and India abound.
Among the writers are David Smith and Robyn Meredith. Interestingly both use the dragon to symbolise China and the elephant to symbolise India. Celestial or terrestrial, both creatures are symbols of power and might.
China and India have shown the world that poor countries should not be viewed as basket cases. Given the right and timely potent boost, they can rise up like the phoenix and rattle the world.
Their huge populations when unleashed the right way can really spring surprises and be a formidable force.
DR KOH AIK KHOON
Alumnus UKM