I look back 20, and even 30 years ago, and I suddenly realise with a start that indeed Malaysia has changed beyond recognition. If you are caught in the swirling currents in the river of history, you would not be conscious of the currents of change.

Like a fish swimming in water, the fish would not really know what it feels like to be swimming in water. In modern parlance, the poor fish has no frame of reference, with which it can compare and evaluate its experience.