"Japan is one of the most advanced countries in the world. It is the second largest economy in the Free World accounting for 10 per cent of the world economic output. It has been successful where many others have failed. Even during this period of prolonged world recession, Japan has managed to register GNP growth rates that is envied by other developed countries, some of which have recorded minus growth. This success story can only be attributed to the positive attitude of the Japanese people toward their work, that is, their sense of commitment and ever willingness to work. That is why I have asked Malaysians to "Look East" and to learn from Japan. We have all this time been looking to the West, perhaps through the accident of history. Now we would like to have a more balanced relationship between the West and the East. It is not so much your level of material wealth and advanced technology that we are after. What I have been exhorting is for Malaysians to emulate the Japanese in their work ethics and attitudes and their management system which, I think, is the main factor in Japan's rapid development and industrialisation."