Whether one approves of Dr. Mahatir or not, the Malays under his leadership have put down an infrastructure they can all be very proud of. One suspects that there are still major economic challenges to be endured. Some of this is doubtless because, what has been built needs to be paid for. Reflecting back on Europe, neither the Channel tunnel nor Euro Disney were instant successes. Since I am a fan of all foods spicy, most of the cuisine's of South East Asia are great for me.
Malaysian food is no exception.
My Malaysian favourites include Laksa, Otak, Rendang. The best chili crabs I've ever eaten, were at Malacca, to the south on the west coast of peninsula Malaysia.