KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia must move beyond being a manufacturing hub to becoming a country that creates and owns its own technology, brands and intellectual property, says Barisan Nasional chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
He said this was the first of four priorities under Barisan’s proposed long-term national blueprint, Agenda Malaysia Biru, to chart the country’s development towards its centenary of independence.
Ahmad Zahid said the country had proven its ability to manufacture goods for the global market, but the next step is to ensure technology, design, brands and intellectual property are developed and owned by Malaysians.
“We have to move from ‘Made in Malaysia’ to ‘created, owned and trusted by Malaysia’,” he said, adding that this is the first priority of its long-term national blueprint under its Agenda Malaysia Biru initiative to chart Malaysia’s development towards the country’s centenary of independence.
Ahmad Zahid, who is also Umno president, said the proposed framework would look beyond a single election cycle and connect Malaysia’s long-term ambitions with the immediate needs of the people.
“Imagine a child born today. He or she will be 31 years old when we celebrate the 100th anniversary of independence,” the Deputy Prime Minister said in his keynote address at the 12th Barisan Nasional Forum, themed Agenda Malaysia Biru last night.
The forum was moderated by Barisan secretary-general Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir, with panellists MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong, former Umno youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin, Tan Sri Nordin Kardi of Jakarta Business School and political analyst Prof Datuk Dr Sivamurugan Pandian.
Ahmad Zahid said governments might change from one electoral term to another, but nation-building had to span generations.
The second priority, he said, was to ensure Malaysians moved from simply enjoying economic growth to owning a share of the prosperity created.
This, he said, meant better-paying jobs should be accompanied by opportunities to own homes, build savings, hold equity and grow businesses.
The third priority, he added, was to shift the country from responding to crises after they happened to building resilience beforehand.
Ahmad Zahid said food, water, energy and medical supplies must remain secure, while infrastructure should be capable of withstanding economic, climate and external shocks.
Families caring for young children, the elderly and persons with disabilities should have adequate support to remain economically active, he said.
The fourth priority, he said, was for Malaysia to be credible at home and influential abroad.
“At home, credibility must be built through fair laws, trusted institutions and leadership that fulfils its responsibilities and promises,” he said.
Abroad, Ahmad Zahid said Malaysia should use its standing to open markets, strengthen strategic cooperation and shape regional and international decisions.
He said the Agenda Malaysia Biru proposals would be further developed through discussions involving political leaders, experts, youths, industry players and members of the public, including voices from Sabah and Sarawak.
The outcome, he said, should eventually be compiled into a national blueprint with clear targets, timelines and responsibilities.
“I do not want this idea to be just another slogan. It must be a national commitment,” he added.
