The Idea of a National Vision
A national vision is a long-term goal that guides a country's development and unites its people around a shared future. Malaysia's best-known vision is Wawasan 2020 (Vision 2020), introduced by Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad in 1991. Its central aim was for Malaysia to become a fully developed nation by the year 2020 — developed not only economically but also socially, politically and morally.
Key idea
Vision 2020 called for a united Malaysian nation, a Bangsa Malaysia that is confident, progressive and prosperous, held together by shared values rather than divided by ethnicity.
The Nine Challenges
Vision 2020 set out nine strategic challenges that Malaysia had to overcome, including building a united nation, creating a democratic and mature society, and developing a competitive, scientific and progressive economy. It stressed national unity as the foundation of lasting progress.
- Forming a united Malaysian nation with a shared destiny.
- Building a mature, democratic and caring society.
- Developing a competitive, resilient and scientific economy.
- Ensuring fair and balanced prosperity for all groups.
New Visions for the Future
As targets and times changed, newer frameworks were introduced. The Shared Prosperity Vision 2030 (Wawasan Kemakmuran Bersama 2030), launched in 2019, aims to provide a decent standard of living for all Malaysians and to close economic gaps between regions and groups. Malaysia also embraces the digital economy and the Fourth Industrial Revolution to stay competitive.
Remember
- Vision 2020 was introduced by Mahathir Mohamad in 1991.
- It set nine challenges, with national unity and a Bangsa Malaysia at its heart.
- Shared Prosperity Vision 2030 was launched in 2019.