Malaysia has again won praise from many for its success stories.

The latest came from Unesco General Conference vice-president Andras Lakatos who said that Malaysia has made a miracle since gaining independence and should be emulated by others.

"I visited your fantastic country five years ago, the development was something unbelievable," Bernama quoted him as saying in an interview at the Unesco headquarters in Paris.

Asked if Malaysia's move to send a man into space was an inspiration to others, he said it was another fine example of the country's achievements.

"Yes, you are presenting a good example for the others," said Lakatos, who is Hungarian permanent delegate to Unesco.

"You made a miracle in 50 years, I remember. The others should follow your way, how to be organised, how to work and achieve the kind of results," said Lakatos, who chaired the session when Education Minister Hishammuddin Hussein presented his policy speech today.

Best speech

During the eight-minute allotted to each speaker, Hishammuddin had, among others, highlighted efforts made by Malaysia to charter its development over the past 50 years since Independence.

"The education minister said he cannot please everyone, and I responded that this was an excellent and very rich report.

"I'm sure the excellent result of Malaysia will please many in the chamber," said Lakatos who described Hishammuddin's speech as the best for the day.

Meeting every two years, the Unesco General Conference is the decision-making body, setting general policies and defines programmes for the 193-member organisation created in 1946 to promote world peace.