Kuala Lampur, Sept. 16 -- Malaya celebrates its 63rd independence this year, while Malaysia celebrates its 57th anniversary.

Perhaps peculiar numbers to consider, given that Malaya gained its independence in 1957, and later together with Sabah, Sarawak and Singapore formed the Federation of Malaysia in 1963.

Conspicuously, they occur in the year 2020, where Malaysia was supposed to celebrate a much-prophesied ascension to a high-income developed status.

But that is yet to be.

For many fellow Malaysians across rural kampungs, low-cost homes (PPR), and suburban terraces are still struggling to make ends meet while facing never-ending stereotypes of laziness and "poor mentality."

This has been the case despite promises made from both en...