COMMENT | It has been a staple of Malaysian journalism, through the years, to carry stories of Malaysians who have made good in the sciences, creative arts, education, sports, etc, in other parts of the world.

The tone of the reports is, as expected, laudatory, with details of the achievement and the connection to their Malaysian background. It is right to give recognition to Malaysians who have distinguished themselves but there is a sour reek of a desperate need to bask in reflected glory.

This is because, in many of the cases, the individuals had transplanted themselves long ago to another country and had grown roots there for decades, raising a family, and/or working at a career.

Many were children when they left this country for a better education. Adults left because they felt more valued, personally and professionally, in another country.

Sure, ask them the stock question about what they miss most about Malaysia and you will get stock answers about missing the food, this assam laksa, and that ayam percik. And there will be diplomatic answers about loving the mix of cultures and races living in harmony...