Malaysia Boleh
Malay
Etymology
Malaysia + boleh.
Coined in 1993 by Tan Sri Abu Hamzah Samah and Datuk Dina Rizal as a marketing slogan for the chocolate drink brand MILO and to support local athletes during the 1993 SEA Games in Singapore. It was 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.[1]
Interjection
Malaysia Boleh
- (Malaysia) "Malaysia can [do it]", an expression of patriotism or national pride.
- (Malaysia, humorous, sarcastic, politics) An expression of disappointment towards failures in Malaysian society and corruption by political leaders.
Descendants
- → English: Bolehland
References
- Did You Know: The Iconic "Malaysia Boleh!" Slogan Originated From A Marketing Campaign?, Says.com