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CHALLENGES
OF THE NEW MILLENNIUM
Mr.
Speaker Sir,
46.
We are now in the new millennium. The 21st century brings with
it greater challenges, in particular those arising from globalisation and
liberalisation as well as advancements in information technology, leading
to a borderless world. As such, we must act quickly to enhance the
nation’s resilience and competitiveness to meet these challenges. We
will continue to be pressured by the international community to further
liberalise our economy and face increasing competition. A Think Tank has
been established in the Ministry of Finance to prepare a strategic plan of
action to enable us to meet these challenges.
47.
In this Budget, we have put in place several measures to enable the
private sector to become the engine of growth. The private sector must
contribute towards enhancing national resilience and competitiveness in an
environment of increasing pressures of globalisation and liberalisation.
This will enable Malaysia to become an international market player. The
private sector must be vigilant of mega mergers by conglomerates in
developed countries to ensure their survival and competitiveness in a
borderless world. Hence, the private sector will have to intensify its
efforts to increase productivity and be innovative. They must produce new
products and services using state of the art technology in their
production, marketing and communication.
48.
We must now make a paradigm shift from a production-based economy
(P-economy) to a knowledge-based economy (K-economy). This is in line with
the Government’s efforts to intensify the development of high technology
industries as well as make IT the catalyst of growth in the 21st
century. In this regard, a Steering Committee has already been established
in the Ministry of Finance to prepare a K-economy Master Plan. The Plan is
expected to be ready in six months. In addition, a Task Force will be
established to identify high quality projects, including K-economy
projects that qualify for special tax and non-tax incentives.
49.
The Government is enhancing the implementation of IT in its administrative
machinery in order to provide more efficient services to the rakyat. This
includes the use of online services with ministries and departments.
Investment in IT will continue to be given priority. In this respect, the
Government urges the private sector to continue to increase investments in
IT development.
50.
To facilitate the shift to a K-economy, we have to increase our workforce
equipped with IT knowledge, particularly in ensuring the success of the
Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC) and Cyberjaya projects. Consequently, the
quality of the education system needs to be further enhanced towards
producing a new generation of intelligent and knowledgeable workforce. I
would like to urge the private sector to complement the Government’s
efforts in expediting and facilitating the shift to a K-economy.
Mr.
Speaker Sir,
51.
In line with the challenges of the new millennium, we must be committed to
the principle of a transparent and clean administration. Abuses in the
public or private sectors, that can destroy society’s values and the
nation’s integrity must be curbed. Hence, the Government will continue
to take action to eliminate the abuse of power at all levels in order to
enhance the confidence of the people and that of the business community,
both domestic and foreign.
52. Efforts will also be made to enhance the efficiency
and quality of the civil service through a Committee on the Integrity of
Government Management to further strengthen administration at all levels.
The aim of this Committee is to establish a system of administration that
is efficient, clean and proactive. The Government will continue to closely
scrutinise existing regulations in order to deregulate and abolish
unnecessary regulations.
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CONCLUSION
Mr.
Speaker Sir,
53.
The more than two-third majority given by the people to the Barisan Nasional
proves that they want a Government that is strong and stable; a Government
that is capable of fostering economic growth and enhancing the status and
the integrity of our race, religion and the nation. The mandate given by the
rakyat serves to strengthen the will and determination of the Government to
continue with its development efforts to meet the aspirations for greater
prosperity, peace, harmony and well-being of the people
54.
The Barisan Nasional Government has had experience in governing the nation
since independence. It has an excellent track record in developing our
multi-racial and multi-religious country through a smart partnership based
on cooperation amongst the various races. We have succeeded in nurturing our
multi-racial society into an asset and mobilising this strength to forge a
harmonious, developed and tolerant society. Unity and tolerance are the
foundation for our success. Malaysians who love this country must inculcate
these values in order to safeguard our national sovereignty from being
threatened by other parties. We must learn from the experiences of other
nations that have been destroyed by division. Our achievements since
independence will come to nought if we are not vigilant.
55.
I wish to call on all parties, including members of this House, not to be
complacent. Although the nation has successfully emerged from the financial
crisis, there are still risks and obstacles that could jeopardise our
economic recovery. Our success in meeting these challenges hinges on our
readiness to change our attitudes. We have no other choice but to be united,
dynamic, fully committed to our work and willing to change and make
sacrifices. We must act fast to plan and lay the strategy to move forward.
In this, we have to be courageous in our efforts to safeguard our interests.
We must persevere and remain confident that we can build a competitive and
highly resilient and developed nation. The Barisan Nasional Government will
continue to strengthen the foundations towards achieving these goals.
56.
We are confident that the new line-up of leadership, including youth and
women, will bring the nation to greater success. I ask the rakyat from all
walks of life to set aside their differences. United we stand, divided we
fall. The elections are over, the rakyat have decided. Together, we will
build a nation towards achieving equitable development. We must resolve to
defend the sovereignty of our race, religion and nation to continue to
develop and prosper in peace, freedom and integrity. May God continue to
bless our noble efforts.
Mr.
Speaker Sir, I beg to move.
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