Dr M says he fears Vision 2020 may not be achieved

(Bernama) – Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad today expressed fear that the ultimate goal of Vision 2020 to make Malaysia a fully developed nation may not be achieved if the country is focusing only on the aspect of wealth.

He said the present government was focusing too much on effort on increasing the income per capita and the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which were seen as not helpful for the country in achieving the status of a fully developed nation.

“If we want to become a fully-developed country, it should not be limited to only wealth. To achieve the status of a developed nation, we must also advance in industrialisation, in innovation, as well as in research and development. Then only we can become a fully-developed country.”

Dr Mahathir said this in response to a question about the status of Vision 2020, which he introduced in 1991, at the ‘Professional Talk With Tun Dr Mahathir’ programme at Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) here today.

The programme was moderated by AirAsia Group deputy chief executive chairman Datuk Kamarudin Meranun.