WITH his strong academic foundation, Ramon Navaratnam was determined to play an important role in the economic development of Malaysia. And he went through that stage of his life pretty much a satisfied person.
Although he has retired from government service, Ramon is still very active in various spheres of public life.
He is currently a member of the Malaysian Institute of Management (MIM) and the president of Transparency International Malaysia. He is also a member of the National Economic Action Council (NEAC) Globalisation Committee and Director of the Asian Strategy and Leadership Institute (Asli). He is now helping out in the Sunway Group.
Ramon completed his secondary studies at Victoria Institution, Kuala Lumpur and furthered his studies in Singapore, United Kingdom and United States. He obtained his honours degree in Economics in Singapore and Diploma in Public Administration from the Royal Institute of Public Administration in London as well as his Master Degree in Economics in Harvard, US. He was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Laws from Oxford Brookes, UK.
Ramon is also an author of several books on the Malaysian economic development, including Managing the Malaysian Economy, Strengthening the Malaysian Economy, Healing the Wounded Tiger: How the Turmoil is Reshaping Malaysia, Malaysia's Economic Recovery, Malaysia's Economic Sustainability, Malaysia's Socioeconomic Challenges - Winds of Change and A Memoir: My Life & Times.
If Umno were to challenge PAS to a futsal match, which team is likely to win?
Umno
Why?
For obvious reasons
What are your hobbies?
Reading and writing. I've written nine books on public policies including my memoirs. The latest one is Ouo Vadis Malaysia .
Why do we need to read your memoirs?
You will appreciate a slice of Malaysian life in the good old days when we were more Malaysian! You will better understand the genesis of the NEP (New Economic Policy) and how it got distorted and caused polarisation.
Do you like karaoke? If so, what's your favourite song?
Yes, somewhat. Especially the oldies like, 'Evermore', 'Home on the Range' and 'Good luck Good health God bless you'
Do you like driving in KL?
No! Bad traffic and poor enforcement.
What is the inspiration behind Sunway Pyramid? Why Pyramid? Why Egyptian?
It's exotic, mysterious, historic and it exudes wealth.
Do you consider yourself a transparent person?
Yes, although I'm quite conscious about being over-exposed.
How many kids do you have? Do you want your kids to follow in your great steps?
Salama and I are blessed and grateful to have three good sons. My 'steps' are not 'great'. They would have their own and God willing, do better than their pa.
How would you describe a Malaysian in one sentence?
Someone who serves God, king, country and community with sincerity and patriotism.
What mobile phone do you use?
Motorola
Did you fly the Malaysian flag on your car in August?
Yes, I flew the flag for one week .
What is your most memorable event about Merdeka?
It was my first Merdeka eve when I was proud to be at the Selangor Club Padang to see the Malaysian flag hoisted for the first time.
What kind of food do you like?
All Malaysian dishes.
Since you must be a super busy person, how do you manage your working life and your family life?
I try my best and know that others do it better.
What talents do you wish you have?
I wish I could play some musical instruments and was a better sportsman.
What are your dreams now?
That Malaysia will be a better country and closer to what it was with greater national unity - and of course a continuing happy and healthy life for me and my family.
Where do you usually hang out?
At official functions - if you can call that hanging out. But I prefer home.
What car do you drive?
My own car is a 20-year-old Mercedes. But I have a company car that takes me around
KIM SUBUNRUK is a Thai journalist who has just completed her six-month internship in malaysiakini.
(Anything But Politics is an occasional column featuring political personalities, activists, intellectuals, about everyone really!)
