KUALA LUMPUR: Backbenchers Club chairman Datuk Mohd Shahar Abdullah calls for a clear direction for Malaysia over the next 30 years to ensure continuity beyond Wawasan 2020.
According to Mohd Shahar (BN-Paya Besar), despite frameworks like the Madani Economy, National Energy Transition Roadmap, and New Industrial Master Plan, there is still a "lack of vision" for the future.
He proposes aligning all forthcoming Malaysia Plans with a long-term vision and maintaining continuity with Wawasan 2020.
He remarked, "This is our last Budget before entering the 13th Malaysia Plan, so what is our direction forward?" while debating the Supply Bill 2025 on Monday (Oct 21).
Mohd Shahar acknowledged the changing economic dynamics but emphasised the need for a defined direction for Malaysia.
He referenced the Transformasi Nasional 2050 roadmap under former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, insisting on a forward-looking vision, regardless of the name.
Such a vision, he argues, will help identify future goals and the path to achieve them.
Furthermore, Mohd Shahar urged the government to ensure an economic spillover effect from the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project.
He stressed that economic networks should originate at the stations, cautioning against repeating the development oversights of Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) rail lines.
Observing the train to Dabong line, he noted, "Stations from Gemas to Pengkalan Chepa and Rantau Panjang showed no spillover development effects. I hope the ECRL doesn't emulate this."
Investments in the ECRL are crucial for Malaysia's future, he added, warning that failing to manage its economic spillover could negatively impact future generations.
