Malaysia Boleh

Malay

Etymology

Malaysia +‎ boleh. Coined by Malaysian politician and sports administrator Hamzah Abu Samah in 1993 as a marketing slogan for the chocolate drink brand MILO and to support local athletes during the 1993 SEA Games in Singapore. Popularised by Dr. Mahathir Mohamad as a catchphrase for Vision 2020.

With the rise of social media websites in the 2000's, the phrase was later used in a sarcastic way.

Interjection

Malaysia Boleh

1. (Malaysia) "Malaysia can [do it]", an expression of patriotism or national pride.
2. (Malaysia, humorous, sarcastic, politics) An expression of disappointment towards failures in Malaysian society and corruption by political leaders.

Descendants

• → English: Bolehland