Najib: Vision 2020 has not failed, but...

PARLIAMENT Vision 2020 has not failed, said Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak.

"The truth is we have not failed, but we have to admit there are some weaknesses," Najib told the Dewan Rakyat today.

Vision 2020 was the brainchild of former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who is now one of Najib's greatest critics.

The prime minister was responding to Siti Zailah Mohd Yusoff (PAS-Rantau Panjang) who said Vision 2020 has failed in making Malaysia a developed nation, closing the income gap between the east and west coast, as well as achieving the target of 30 percent bumiputera equity ownership.

Najib retorted that such goals would be easier to achieve if there was less politicking in the country.

He added that when laying out a vision, high targets must be set for it to be meaningful.

"So there will be weaknesses in terms of achievements, especially when there are external factors," the premier said.

Najib said such external factors include a drop in prices for oil and commodities.

[More to follow]

-Mkini