LETTER | Can Malaysia succeed?

This is a question that many of us ask ourselves as we approach 2020.

Each of us has a dream to see Malaysia succeed.

Vision 2020 was conceived by Tun Dr. Mahathir in 1990. Our vision at that time was clear: we want to be a high-income developed nation, a progressive and moderate country, a united Malaysia, and a nation-building on a technology-based nation.

At that time, the people of Malaysia and the government had a clear sense of purpose and it led us to work together to build the country forward.

What is the difference between then and now?

In my opinion, Malaysia subsequently lost its sense of purpose.

As a result, Malaysia seems to be in a state of stagnation. We are not left behind, but we are not moving forward either.

In the manufacturing sector, Malaysian companies do not invent or use commercially viable technologies. The construction sector is still labour-intensive inundated with obsolete technology. 

The agricultural industry is slowly reviving itself. Our education is only at par with an education level of a developing world based on a recent program for international student assessment (PISA) study.

At the same time, our country is hampered by racial and religious issues. Our country seems to be hijacked by racial and religious extremists. This is not our country, as reflected in Vision 2020.

We cannot let this country drift away with no sense of purpose.

The year 2020 is an excellent opportunity for us to get back our sense of purpose as a nation.

The Pakatan Harapan government and Malaysians need to focus.

Malaysians need to focus on what is essential to the country rather than their interests. Malaysia's success as a nation should take precedence over selfish and bigoted interests.

I believe this Malaysian project will be a success. This new decade is our opportunity to achieve such success.

The key to Malaysia's success is to get back our sense of purpose as a country.

Happy New Year 2020.

SIM TZE TZIN is the Deputy Minister for Agriculture and Agro-based Industries

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.