The Sun: What does civilisation mean?

My first contribution for 2017 to the Sun. I can’t believe that this year marks my 12th year writing for them! OMG, I’m not that young anymore! LOLZ!

Anyway, this is on what do we consider “civilisation” in the Malaysian context.

So what does the Malaysian civilisation mean? Does it mean the tallest buildings? The most dense urban development? What about our cultural development; our literature, theatre, music and visual arts? Are they being developed?

Or does the Malaysian civilisation mean wrecking balls knocking out our colonial heritage to make way for larger buildings? Uprooting trees and razing forests for more concrete and brick structures?

For more, click here. For the pdf download, here.

What are your thoughts? What is “civilisation” for Malaysia?