Fought over by three different European powers Malaysia spent centuries under the control of foreign countries before achieving independence after the end of World War II. Yet soon after independence Malaysia's capital of Kuala Lumpur endured bloody riots as the new country almost tore itself apart. The nation's leaders did not give up. Instead they forged a new future one in which people from different regions and religions could live and work together. Today Malaysia is one of the most successful countries in Southeast Asia. It is proud to be considered an Asian tiger.