KUALA LUMPUR (Oct 6): The Shared Prosperity Vision 2020 (WKB2030), which is the national roadmap for 2021 to 2030 can be a catalyst to drive the country to greater heights if the strategies outlined are properly implemented.

Various quarters look at the vision, which aims at inclusive development for all the people, as providing rooms and opportunities which should be fully utilised by the people to improve their standard of living.

A lecturer at the Faculty of Business, Economics and Development, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Associate Professor Dr Roshaiza Taha said the government should ensure continuity in the implementation of policies and strategies contained in WKB2030 book, launched by Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad yesterday, and it should be closely monitored.

“WKB2030 is very good, but the enforcement has to be tight. We do not want it to be like Vision 2020, which was beautiful, but after Tun (Dr Mahathir) stepped down (during his previous era as prime minister), the vision sank.

“So, the government has to ensure that whatever they declare or make as policy and reference, there must be sustainability and continuity,” he said when contacted by Bernama yesterday.

She said the people should also support the government's aspiration to build the country by enhancing the quality of life by taking advantage of the benefits provided by the government, such as education and business aid to boost their income.

Pahang Youth Council president Wan Emril Wan Embong hoped that the government would involve more youths in the implementation of WKB2030 as they are the ones who would eventually 'enjoy the benefits'.

He said WKB2030 should give emphasise, and have a clear direction, on helping to stimulate the economy of the young people, especially those from the B40 group.

“We hope this vision will stimulate the economy, especially in terms of providing employment opportunities for youths, as well as reducing the percentage of urban poor, because even though they have jobs as living in the cities involves high cost.

“There should also be a mechanism on how to prepare local youths to face Industrial Revolution 4.0, which stresses on robotic technology and artificial intelligence," he said.

Wan Emril said if the local youths are not prepared to face the industrial revolution, the opportunity would be seized by outsiders.

National Association of Skilled Workers (PKPB) secretary-general Mohammad Rizan Hassan said WKB2030 is capable of opening business opportunities and creating new jobs, hence improving the standard of living of the people.

“WKB2030 calls on young people to continue to work hard and to practice good work ethics. Any good and noble effort by the government, which is aimed at enhancing the socio-economy of the people should be supported by placing political differences aside,” he added.

In Johor, Kulai District Youth Council chairman Nor Azman Hasbullah said WKB2030 is capable of positioning Malaysia as an Asian Tiger but improvements have to be made, especially on the involvement of the Malaysian Youth Council.

“When talking about the future, youths and employment opportunities should be given priority by the government,” he added.