Vision 2020

This article is from www.nst.com.my
2009/06/30

We can still achieve Vision 2020, says Tun Dr Mahathir

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KUALA LUMPUR: Despite the dip in the world economy, former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said yesterday the country could be on par with developed nations by 2020.

But to meet the vision, he said several measures need to be put in place.

Dr Mahathir said Malaysia was selling goods overseas at low prices to compete with other developing countries.

"We should not compete with our neighbours to sell goods at lower prices. We should not go for small profit margins or become a low-cost country."

Developed countries like Denmark sold cheese worldwide but "that does not mean they are poor".
He said these countries, including other European nations and Japan, were high-cost countries. They make world-class products and sell them locally at high prices.

"It has helped boost local business. Their per capita income is high because the people are trained and receive high wages."

Dr Mahathir, who spoke during a talk on "Vision 2020 -- Is it a mission possible? 1Malaysia -- Is it the driving force?" -- said Malaysia needed to boost its per capita income to became a developed nation.

At the talk, Dr Mahathir was named "Father of Vision 2020" by the organisers, Asia Pacific Brands Foundation.

He also said that to realise Vision 2020, Malaysians must improve their English proficiency and curb corruption among politicians.