wawasan 2020
Such was the noble vision back then, but what is the reality today, given the volatile global occurrences in this new millennium? Unbridled global capitalism has brought about economic crisis, and policies meant to boost people’s quality of life have inadvertently widened the gap between rich and poor.
Malaysia’s economy was also severely tested by the unprecedented currency attack during the Asian Financial Crisis 1997-1998, the outbreak of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), and internal struggles such as the racial tensions that led to the Hindu Rights Action Force (HINDRAF) and Coalition for Clean Fair Elections (BERSIH) rallies in 2007.
Also, Malaysia’s competitiveness was ranked 24th globally, slipping downwards by three positions from the previous year according to the Global Competitiveness Report 2009-2010 by the World Economic Forum.
These are factors that contributed to the slowing down of the Malaysian economy and further entrenched the image of an increasingly intangible Vision 2020.
In Malaysia’s context, a quintessential society means a society that practices what it preaches; transcending religious beliefs, ethnicities and background. It celebrates differences and willingly adapts to global changes in terms of scientific and artistic knowledge through research and development (R&D) while preserving local values, traditions and honour.
These are the present critical gaps that need greater attention to ensure the success of Vision 2020. The 1Malaysia concept introduced by Dato’ Seri Najib Tun Razak in 2008 stresses on national unity and ethnic tolerance. I believe his call for unity and understanding among the races in Malaysia is timely when the country needs to recover from economic distresses.
The concept is likely to forge greater rapport, such as the acknowledgment of 16 September as Malaysia Day and a national holiday. It is designed to eradicate factions within society and spur development in terms of education,
Malaysia’s economy was also severely tested by the unprecedented currency attack during the Asian Financial Crisis 1997-1998, the outbreak of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), and internal struggles such as the racial tensions that led to the Hindu Rights Action Force (HINDRAF) and Coalition for Clean Fair Elections (BERSIH) rallies in 2007.
Also, Malaysia’s competitiveness was ranked 24th globally, slipping downwards by three positions from the previous year according to the Global Competitiveness Report 2009-2010 by the World Economic Forum.
These are factors that contributed to the slowing down of the Malaysian economy and further entrenched the image of an increasingly intangible Vision 2020.
In Malaysia’s context, a quintessential society means a society that practices what it preaches; transcending religious beliefs, ethnicities and background. It celebrates differences and willingly adapts to global changes in terms of scientific and artistic knowledge through research and development (R&D) while preserving local values, traditions and honour.
These are the present critical gaps that need greater attention to ensure the success of Vision 2020. The 1Malaysia concept introduced by Dato’ Seri Najib Tun Razak in 2008 stresses on national unity and ethnic tolerance. I believe his call for unity and understanding among the races in Malaysia is timely when the country needs to recover from economic distresses.
The concept is likely to forge greater rapport, such as the acknowledgment of 16 September as Malaysia Day and a national holiday. It is designed to eradicate factions within society and spur development in terms of education,