KUDOS to Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad for launching Shared Prosperity Vision 2030 to reposition our nation’s direction to a developed nation.
The goal is to transform Malaysia into a high-income nation by focusing on high-technology jobs in line with the Industrial Revolution 4.0 , which requires specific skills rather than labour-intensive, low-skilled jobs.
The vision readdresses issues related to marginalised groups, wealth and income disparities. The priority is the Bottom 40 per cent income group as income disparity between the rich and the poor will continue to grow if not kept in check.
The focus of this vision is development for all, addressing wealth and income disparities, and forging a united, prosperous and dignified nation.
Principles of continued prosperity, equality, equitable growth, distributed economy and inclusivity must be applied under the development-for-all goal.
To address the wealth gap, there must be a needs-based approach economy and an integrated social model.
Unity in diversity will establish a united, prosperous and dignified nation.
There must be democracy, stability, integrity, good governance and sustainability.
Small- and medium-sized enterprises must get help to boost their businesses.
Human capital development is an important thrust under this shared prosperity vision, with a goal to achieve 35 per cent highly- skilled workers in the workforce.
It aims to encourage 60 per cent of Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia leavers to pursue technical and vocational education training. It is time to tweak university programmes to meet the needs and requirements of the industry.
This is to ensure jobs and graduates’ marketability. The workforce must be revamped to ensure it is free of age, gender, ethnic and religious discrimination.
There must be salary increments with reduced dependency on foreign workers to ensure the vision’s goal is achieved.
Social wellbeing is about having equality in society.
There should be more affordable housing schemes for the B40 group.
Crime prevention, unity, integrity, anti-corruption, religious harmony, environment and healthcare will determine the direction of Malaysia to realising Shared Prosperity 2030.
DR MAHAAGANAPATHY DASS
Kuala Lumpur