When I read about Americans being surprised by Malaysia’s clean highways during former President Donald Trump’s ASEAN visit, I wasn’t shocked — I was proud. As a Malaysian, I have always believed that the term “third world country” no longer represents who we are. That label, created during the Cold War, was meant to categorize nations that were neither aligned with the West nor the Soviet bloc. Yet, decades later, people still use it as a way to measure how “developed” or “civilized” a nation is. The truth is, Malaysia has far outgrown that stereotype.
The viral footage of Trump’s presidential motorcade cruising along the Maju Expressway revealed highways so clean, wide, and modern that many Americans were shocked. One even commented that our roads looked better than those in Charlotte, North Carolina — a developed city in one of the world’s richest countries. That comparison speaks volumes. It challenges the long-standing Western narrative that countries in Southeast Asia are underdeveloped or dirty. The fact is, Malaysia’s infrastructure has been improving steadily for decades. Our highways are among the best in Asia, maintained with efficiency and care that rival developed nations.
For years, Western media has painted nations like Malaysia with a single brush — poor, chaotic, and corrupt. They rarely show the modern cities, the world-class airports, or the advanced public transportation systems we’ve built. Instead, they focus on rural areas or outdated images that no longer reflect reality. That’s why when foreigners visit Kuala Lumpur for the first time, they are often stunned. They see gleaming skyscrapers like the Petronas Twin Towers, bustling urban life, and roads that are smooth, clean, and efficient. It’s a wake-up call for those who still think of us as being stuck in the past.
To me, Malaysia is not a “third world” country — we are a developing nation with strong ambition and potential. Yes, we face challenges: corruption scandals, traffic jams, and the occasional inefficiency in governance. But which country doesn’t? Even in the United States, you can find poverty, homelessness, and crumbling infrastructure. The difference is, our problems are often exaggerated by outsiders, while our achievements are overlooked. What matters most is our direction — and Malaysia is clearly moving forward.
Over the years, Malaysia has made remarkable progress in technology, digital innovation, and education. Our cities are becoming smarter, our public facilities more inclusive, and our youth more globally minded. The government and private sector have invested heavily in sustainable infrastructure, ensuring our highways and public spaces remain clean and safe. The Maju Expressway, in particular, is a symbol of that progress — representing efficiency, modernization, and pride in national development.
When foreigners express shock at how clean or advanced Malaysia is, I don’t feel offended. Instead, I see it as an opportunity to change their perception. It’s a reminder that the world still has much to learn about who we are. Each time a visitor is surprised by our modern lifestyle, it becomes a silent victory for us Malaysians — proof that we have surpassed expectations.
We are a nation that blends tradition with progress. We can enjoy nasi lemak at a roadside stall in the morning and attend a global tech conference in the afternoon. We can preserve our cultural heritage while embracing digital transformation. That is what makes Malaysia special — our ability to move forward without losing our identity.
So yes, when I see those videos of clean highways and hear foreigners gasp in disbelief, I smile. Because behind every clean road and modern building lies the hard work of millions of Malaysians who take pride in their country. We may not be perfect, but we are progressing — and that progress deserves recognition. Malaysia is no longer just a developing country trying to catch up. We are a proud, capable nation standing tall on the global stage.
It’s time the world retires the outdated label of “third world” and starts seeing Malaysia for what it truly is: a vibrant, modern, and forward-looking nation that’s paving its own road to success — one clean highway at a time.
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