Vision 2020 impossible now due to abuse of power, says Dr M

The prime minister says Malaysia will be the laughing stock of the world if it fails to achieve developed status.

Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad says Malaysia can still become a developed nation although it cannot achieve Vision 2020.

PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad today blamed abuse of power by the previous administration for Malaysia’s inability to achieve his Vision 2020.

“We introduced Vision 2020 and were heading in that direction, but we forgot why we were given power and the responsibility that comes with that power.

“We will not achieve Vision 2020, but we can become a developed nation. All it takes is sincerity, trustworthiness and hard work,” he said during his speech at Dataran Perdana here today.

He said these were the qualities needed by those in power if they wanted the country to reach developed status.

Failure to become a developed nation, he added, would make Malaysia the laughing stock of the world.

“The world will look at us and scoff and say that we are a people who could not develop our own country.”

He said it was the abuse of power and corruption that hindered the country’s development, adding that prayers alone would not be enough to achieve Malaysia’s goals.

“Prayers must be backed by good character and action.

“You will see that all countries that have reached developed status are filled with people who are hardworking and appreciate knowledge.”

Mahathir also said God had made all human beings equal.

“It doesn’t depend on where you come from, your race or your skin colour. All have the same abilities. It is what you choose to do with those abilities that decides where you end up.” -FMT