Vision 2020 may not have been realised, but there is a chance we could still become a developed nation. The solution is simple, but will the politicians listen to the people?
Most of the old timers and those who are stuck in a time warp, need to realise that the old political ways of the past five decades, where race and religion dominated, are no longer applicable.
Prime minister, Dr Mahathir Mohamad and his cabinet, must not thwart the will of the people, who want a new and progressive Malaysia.
Malaysians have been failed by a lack of leadership and thus far, there has been no-one, who has the gumption and the courage to be radical, and throw out the old ideas and be progressive.
The people who called themselves prime minister, were not leaders. There were only managers. For decades, we merely had second, perhaps, third-rate managers, who did not lead.
They continued the failures of the previous leader, they made things worse, instead of resolving or getting rid of the mess they inherited from their predecessors. All they did was to muddle along whilst massaging their egos. Meanwhile, their families and cronies feathered their nests.
In his New Year message, Mahathir blamed the fifth and sixth PMs for failing the nation to achieve Vision 2020, which was for Malaysia becoming a developed nation by 2020. The fault is also his. He chose them as his successors. Some of our problems had roots in his first tenure as PM. His policies were not challenged.
Mahathir first launched Vision 2020 three decades ago, but because of the previous poor leadership, said that the plan for developed status would have to be extended for another 10 years.
He also acknowledged the dissatisfaction of many Malaysians and said that his administration would respond to the critics and continue to develop the country. He also urged the rakyat to welcome and help implement the various initiatives which the government had introduced.
Having suffered decades of the rule of mediocre politicians, it is important that in 2020, the rakyat draws on their inner strength, and with the help of civil society, guide the Pakatan Harapan administration.
In GE-14, we showed the fence-sitters and doom-mongers that when there is a will, the disgraced Najib Abdul Razak and his Umno-Baru, could be overthrown. As of 2020, we need to be more forceful, disciplined and focused.
Debunk the myths
Vision 2020 is not a failed dream but there are some myths that have to be debunked. These are the more common ones, that have to be revisited.
We are not a developed nation, just because we have the Petronas Twin Towers, the Menara Warisan Merdeka tower, and the Kuala Lumpur skyline of skyscrapers. Nor are we a developed nation just because the politicians, their cronies and families turn-up in imported sports and luxury cars, to every Umno-Baru Annual General Assembly. We are not a developed nation, just because many of the wives of politicians are bedecked in bling and luxury handbags, during social functions or high society weddings.
A truly developed nation is one where children are taught about integrity and honesty. It is not about parents and teachers telling children that they are of a superior race, or their religion is better than others.
A developed nation is one where schoolchildren receive a fully, rounded education and are not only taught to pass exams.
A developed nation is one where there is no discrimination by gender. Men and women are treated equally and receive equal opportunities. A developed nation does not assault, threaten or discriminate against LGBTs. Nor is a country developed when it calls its own Malaysian born people, “pendatangs” or second class citizens. A developed nation is a country where one is judged by one’s performance, and not by one’s race, religion or social standing.
Think of the environment
If Malaysia wants to become a developed nation, it must do more for the environment, rather than raping the forests, soil and seas, for treasures that can make politicians and their cronies more money. Mother earth can only support so much abuse. We need to be more responsible.
Developed nation status cannot be achieved when people place more emphasis on rituals, than preserving their cultures and heritage.
We will be able to call ourselves developed, when the government does not oppress those who criticise its policies.
Vision 2040 is possible . So, which MP will be brave enough to start the ball rolling and lead the way?
People like Ibrahim Ali must be put in jail for stirring hatred among the races. He pressured the headmistress of the school in Puchong to take down the Chinese New Year decorations because it is a religious decoration. This is the Muslim radical’s idea of the Chinese Lunar New Year. They cannot accept it as a cultural event. UMNO has been brainwashing the Malays over this. Malays have no cultural festival so the Chinese must also not have one. As long as Ibrahim Ali is free to roam, he will continue to do such deeds. He must be put away for good in jail.
The mamak cannot get rid of his racist mindset. Always giving way to muslim radicals and always ready to give the Chinese a bad rap. He is the archetypel hypocrite. Says one thing to one group and does something else. His support for ZN shows his weakness for intolerant islam. He must go and so also the retarded goatee.
We have been blindsided by vision 2020.Wake me up in 2040.