The 10th Prime Minister, Anwar Ibrahim said at the Open House in Alor Setar that the government wants to completely eradicate hardcore poverty in the country which he described as disgraceful for a country which is rich in resources such as oil and gas.
This can be one of the ten ways Malaysia can be a role model to the world.
I have suggested five ways Malaysia can be a role model to the world, by being a role model to the word in five areas, viz:
- for inter-ethnic, inter-religious, inter-cultural and inter-civilisation dialogue, understanding, tolerance, and harmony;
- to be among the top 30 countries recognised for our efforts to fight corruption;
- for good governance;
- for the rule of law; and
- an example to the world how to counter the lies, falsehoods, and fake news spawned by social media in the era of information technology.
If the goals of eliminating hardcore poverty and being an efficient government are added to the list where Malaysia can be a role model to the world, then we need to think of three additional goals.to make up 10 goals for Malaysia to be a role model to the world.
It would be a good idea if the national mission for Malaysia to be a role model to the world in ten areas can become the national mission of all Malaysians and in particular, the six state governments which will hold general elections in 12–14 weeks.
In GDP per capita terms, Penang lost out to Kedah and Terengganu, and was slightly better than Kelantan when the country achieved nationhood in 1957, but after six decades of nation-building, Penang’s GDP per capita has increased by over 110 times and has a higher GDP per capita than Kelantan (which remained the poorest state having increased her GDP per capita by less than 40 times), higher than Terengganu (which has increased its GDP per capita by 52 times) and higher than Kedah (which has increased its GDP per capita by less than 40 times).
From the second lowest state in GDP per capita in Peninsular Malaysia when Malaya achieved nationhood in 1957, Penang has become the third state in Malaysia in terms of having the highest GDP per capita.
After six decades of nation-building, Terengganu, Kedah and Kelantan are among the five poorest states in Malaysia in terms of GDP per capita.
Who must assume this responsibility?
(Media Statement by DAP veteran Lim Kit Siang in Penang on Sunday, April 30, 2023)