The Malaysian Insight

VISION 2020 may have failed last year but it is still relevant and should be pursued under the Shared Prosperity Vision 2030 (SPV 2030), an online forum heard today.

Renowned economist Dr Jomo Kwame Sundaram said Vision 2020 was correct to place emphasis on tying labour productivity to mastery of technology, advice that has been ignored to the country’s detriment.

It would have had an impact on wages and technological advances, he said in the “After Vision 2020: History and Future of the Nation” forum hosted by the Academy of Professors Malaysia (APM).

“Let’s take into account that the workers’ compensation is still very low and it reflects a high exploitation,” Jomo, who is an APM honorary fellow, said.

Malaysia’s continued dependence on foreign labour is also suppressing wages, Jomo added.

“They are willing to work under poor working conditions for relatively low wages. With these workers in existence, the employer will not pay more.” 

This affects Malaysian workers, especially the unskilled. It also contributes to the country lagging behind technologically, Jomo said. 

“There was a proposal to collect oil palm fruit with a machine in the ‘80s, but until today, technological advances have not grown much, because workers are receiving poor salaries.

“Before the Covid-19 pandemic, a review from the ISIS (Institute of Strategic and International Studies) found that there are Malaysian workers who earn less than RM1,000 a month. 
“This is why, for me, Vision 2020 is still very relevant.”

APM emeritus professor Dr Abdul Rahman Embong said Malaysia should hold on to the essence of Vision 2020, which is to become a developed nation by 2020.

“The big idea of Vision 2020 should be continued in whatever vision that will replace it. Because it covers the people’s frustrations and worries over economic uncertainties and the Covid-19 issue as well,” Rahman said.

University of Cyberjaya chancellor emeritus professor Dr Anuwar Ali said SPV 2030 is not that different from Vision 2020 in terms of goals. 

The Shared Prosperity Vision 2030 (SPV 2030) was released under the Pakatan Harapan government with the aim to improve the incomes of all ethnic groups especially the poor. 

The policy replaced Vision 2020, which was drawn up 30 years ago by then prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

“I see the continuity from Vision 2020 to SPV 2030 because the principle is clear that we want a progress that shapes our population and prosperity that can be shared by all layers of society,” Anuwar said.

He also emphasised the government’s failure to implement its policies.

This is due to a weak delivery system either at the level of the ministry, local councils or below, he said.

Most of the problem lies in the lack of accountability as Malaysia is good at planning but fails at execution, he said. – January 26, 2021.