DPM: Nation must focus on human capital growth

The star

BY LOH FOON FONG AND MAZWIN NIK ANIS

KUALA LUMPUR: It is important for Malaysia to prioritise its human capital development and address income and wealth inequalities, Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said.

He said the 21st century had been referred to as “The Asian Century” due to astounding growth and the Asian Development Bank had projected that by 2050, it could double its share to account for half of the global GDP.

However, the Asian era is not just one of economic success but also great political, cultural and civilisational influence, he said.

As such, he said, Malaysia must prioritise its human capital development, strengthen its governance institutions and address income and wealth inequalities, as well as arrest environmental degradation.

Muhyiddin said this during the launch of the MIDA Forum 2013 “Asian Era: Malaysian Perspective” yesterday.

“As the world economy recovers, Asia is set to lead the way in reforms and transformations towards higher income levels,” he said.

“Asia’s rise offers many opportunities that we must take, as well as significant challenges that we must overcome.”

Earlier yesterday, Muhyiddin said Umno members would be given greater freedom to raise issues of their concern during debates at the coming general assembly as the party leadership wanted to hear what was in their hearts and minds.

The Umno deputy president said that with the party polls over, delegates could shift their focus on debating issues that “are of concern to the nation and race”.

“We want to know if they are happy, satisfied, frustrated or otherwise. Allowing Umno members to speak is a good way to measure how they feel about what is happening in the party and Government.

“It is also a good opportunity for us to tap ideas and views on how we can progress and improve, be it in Umno or the Government,” he said after opening the International Palm Oil Congress 2013.

Muhyiddin said that among issues which he expected delegates to raise would be the recent party election and the outcome of the May 5 General Election.

The Umno general assembly will be held from Dec 2 to Dec 7 while the party elections, following amendment to its constitution, saw the participation of 150,000 members for the first time. The party elections concluded on Oct 21.