Thatcher's Legacy

She has been the most prominent conservative for their cause and completely changed the economic policy of UK during her reign. She is either the most loved or hated person in her country but revered in US. For me, she was a tough leader who were able to execute her beliefs in decisive manner. But whether her beliefs were right to begin with? I’m always in the middle of right and left wing policies. In Malaysia, I’m still confuse on our political environment  especially the economic policies of government and opposition. But I believe both are more inclined towards left wing which is more populist in general. Gradually, I can see both government and opposition becoming more liberal in the sense that individual should be more responsible and independent from government. Hard work should be rewarded but poor should not be left out as well. Thus, I believe the balance between right and left policies are more sustainable. I understand the term easier said than done. It’s pretty hard to strike the right chord when you have millions of people to govern. I do think developing country such as Malaysia requires left wing prescriptions to lift millions out of poverty. But the hardest part is to take away the candy enjoyed by these millions later on upon high income status. Before Thatcher’s reign as prime minister, UK was known  as sick man of Europe due to long economic stagnation. There was no innovation and productivity during those time as a result of long period of left wing prescriptions. The economy needed to be restructured and right wing policies perhaps were the right prescription, hence Thatcher more or less radically invoked the painful process that affected million of workers. UK economy was vibrant again after this painful process but fast forward 20 years later, the economy was ruined again as a result of long prescription of right wing policies. Freer market encourages greed and hence the near collapse of financial market in most of Western World. It’s a cycle, thus makes me think the balance of left and right wing policies must be the way to go. Her legacy is confusing to most people, perhaps history will judge her better.