HANOI: Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail has called on Malaysians who have made their mark in other countries to help contribute in building the New Malaysia.
The Deputy Prime Minister said as pointed out by global investment management firm, Schroders, in its June report, one of the perennial problems that the Malaysian economy suffered over the last few decades has been its brain drain.
She noted that the migration of highly skilled Malaysians has removed the best of human capital in the country which in turn has dampened economic growth and reduced tax revenues, while imposing more burden on those remaining in the country.
She added that according to news reports, one in every 10 skilled Malaysians was now planning to leave the country, double that of the global average rate, to seek greener pastures and to compete in the international arena.
“While ambition is to be applauded, your country still needs you to help build our country together. We live in a global nation but Malaysia is our motherland,” she said at a dinner with the Malaysian Diaspora in Vietnam here, tonight.
Also present along with the 100 members of Malaysian Diaspora were Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Marzuki Yahya and Malaysian Ambassador to Vietnam Datuk Mohd Zamruni Khalid.
Dr Wan Azizah said the new government in Malaysia has envisioned to make the country an ‘Asian Tiger’ economy once again.
However, she noted that it would take lots of work especially in reducing national debt.
“A nation that has found its feet is a free nation, one that is free from the shackles of owing anyone.
“We want a nation that moves away from a society that depends on hand-outs, to one that promotes a sustainable society,” she added.
Dr Wan Azizah is on a three-day official visit to Vietnam starting today and is scheduled to meet Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc tomorrow.
Her itinerary also includes attending Thursday’s 3rd ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Women (AMMW). -- Bernama