I refer to the letter entitled Excellence - have we lost the urge?

We have, indeed, perhaps lost the urge to strive for excellence. In the 60s and 70s, Malaysia was not only strong in football, but also in hockey and badminton. We also excelled in our studies. Malaysian students who studied overseas regularly topped their classes in universities and colleges. Even our local universities such as UM and USM had a very high academic standing in the world.

What has happened to us? We need to gain back the urge to do well, to strive for excellence in all our endeavours, not only in sports and in our studies, but also in our courts, our police force, our industries and our businesses.

In the last 20 years, we have become so fascinated with bigness, elegance and style, not for any commercial or internal value but so that 'they (the West) will respect us'. We build the tallest buildings, the first F1 circuit in Asia, the longest, the widest, the fastest, the deepest whatever just so it can get us any form of world recognition.

This recognition, however, comes at the expense of our identity, character and national coffers. We want to get rich and get rich quickly so we can rush to buy that big palace, the fancy cars and the posh lifestyle. All at the expense of substance.

It is true what John Adams, second president of the US said: 'I cannot help suspecting that the more elegance, the less virtue in all times and all countries'.

We were in such a hurry to be recognised, we failed to build and invest in our human capital. We lost our sense of identity as a hardworking and productive work force. We instead sought grandeur and 'mega-ness'.

Adams, in advice to his grandson, had this to say: 'Have you considered the meaning of the word 'worthy'? Weigh it well ... I had rather you should be worthy possessors of one thousand pounds honestly acquired by your own labour and industry, than of ten millions by banks and tricks'.

Finally, in closing, we should wish for our nation this 49th birthday what Adams advised his daughter in choosing a spouse:

'Daughter! Get you an honest man for a husband, and keep him honest. No matter whether he is rich, provided he be independent. Regard the honour and moral character of the man more than all other circumstances. Think of no other greatness but that of the soul, no riches but that of the heart.

'An honest, sensible, humane man, above all littleness of vanity and extravagances of imagination, labouring to do good rather than to be rich, to be useful rather than make a show, living in modest simplicity clearly within his means and free from debts and obligations, is really the most respectable man in society, makes himself and all about him most happy'.