Come August, we will be celebrating our nation's 50th anniversary. United Malaysia is strong and growing rapidly to achieve its most desired plan - to be come a developed nation by 2020.

Every Malaysian has a role to play in making sure our dream comes true. Let us not lose out to our neighbours Singapore and Indonesia, not forgetting China and India, the Asian economic giants.

Our prime minister has always aspires for Malaysians to be first class in mental strength and to explore globally in every field of the economy and knowledge.

His direction, however, lacks support from the media especially from television stations, both state-owned and private-owned. They do not seems to be in the same direction with regards to support for nation-building.

The recent suggestion from the information minister to set up a 24-hour radio news channel is most welcome and although it is a bit of a late move, it is still worth praising.

Malaysia is known as a regional leader and for voicing out its opinion on international issues. Our past and present leaders are actively involved in many international fora. The Asean region is emerging fast as a premier economic zone.

Yet our television stations are more keen to broadcast consumer-based talent shows, entertainment programmes, South American soap dramas, Indonesian serials, Singapore sitcoms, teenaged romance dramas, etc. Is this what we need in moving towards 2020?

Just look at our neighbours, Singapore and Indonesia. The former has its Asia News Channel while the latter has its Metro News. Where do we stand ?

We have the talent, expertise and technical support to realise a knowledge-based television channel that operates seven days a week covering live news, documentaries, social programmes and even sports.

Let Malaysians have something new and something worth watching this Aug 31.