‘Shape up to share wealth’
For govt’s new economic model to succeed, support of the people vital
The Prime Minister has unveiled the government’s new economic model based on the concept of ‘shared prosperity’ that will ensure the people enjoy the country’s benefits fairly. But he also warns that the Pakatan Harapan coalition partners must work together and put aside their differences or risk Malaysia becoming a failed state.
PUTRAJAYA: Warning of a possibility of Malaysia becoming a failed state if the Pakatan Harapan coalition partners do not work together, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has called for the people’s strong support for a fair and inclusive distribution of the economy by the year 2030.
The Prime Minister unveiled his government’s “Shared Prosperity” economic model in his special address to the people as Pakatan Harapan’s federal administration turned one yesterday.
This new economic model calls for efforts to turn Malaysia into a country that continuously experiences sustainable and equitable growth at every level of the value chain, regardless of class, race and geographical location.
This will create a feeling of harmony and stability among the people by the year 2030.
“The target of this shared prosperity is to create decent standards of living for all Malaysians.
“We want to ensure the people enjoy the country’s benefits fairly,” said the Prime Minister.
Dr Mahathir said the people’s support for the government’s programmes were crucial and critical.
“Which is why, today, the government reports back to the rakyat to inform them of our achievements and ongoing efforts, he said.
Dr Mahathir who is Pakatan chairman, reminded coalition partners to be united, adding that failure to set aside differences, would turn Malaysia into a “failed state”.
“These four parties came together to help topple the previous Barisan Nasional administration under Datuk Seri Najib Razak.”
Although the four parties had different perspectives, he said they had one common goal – to take down the kleptocracy under Najib.
“But if we cannot put aside our differences, things will get worse.
“The country will suffer and Malaysia would be in danger of becoming a failed state,” Dr Mahathir added.
In his address, the Prime Minister outlined three objectives under the shared prosperity model – tackling income and wealth disparity, creating a progressive economy that is of high value and knowledge-based; and for Malaysia to emerge as a leading economy in Asia.
The model has strategic core fundamentals including restructuring business and industrial ecosystem, exploring new growth areas, reforming talent and human capital.
It also aims improve the labour market, strengthen the country’s social well-being, ensure fair development of territories and the enhancement of social capital.
As he ended his 45-minute address, the Prime Minister called on everyone to work together as a nation to ensure the success of the shared prosperity vision.
“A great plan will not mean anything if it is not implemented correctly or monitored for its outcome.
“Therefore, the government will continue to work hard to ensure all initiatives and pledges are executed and fulfilled, so that the future generation can enjoy the country’s riches under the shared prosperity vision,” said Dr Mahathir.