So when Malaysia was engulfed in the economic malaise that blanketed the region in 1997, it was widely feared that the nation's impressive developmental track record would be hobled, just when the charged forward was needed most.

While not all critics have been won over just yet, the infrastructure that has been laid inplace this past year is proof that the nation's dogged insistence on keeping on track has far from faded.

In the field of transport, this year also saw the finishing touches being put to the Port of Tanjung Pelepas, also dubbed the Year 2000 Port, in Gelang Patah, Johor.

The container port is located just two kilometres from Singapore waters across the Johor Strait and will open with two of proposed six berths and two container yards ready for business.

Tanjung Pelepas will not only reduce our dependence on Singapore as a main transhipment centre, but is also to help Malaysia tap into the increasing shipping traffic on the region's waters.

The port's position, reduced costs and flexibility will position Malaysia as a premier shipping destination in the region.