Tan Sri Mohd Sidek Hassan

Tan Sri Dr. Sulaiman Mahbob“The “diaspora” can be oneavenue to be tapped, butit must be accompaniedby genuine efforts toraise wages along withproductivity. Finally, thePrime Minister has alwaysargued for a growthmodel that is propelled byproductivity, creativity, anda widespread innovationsystem and culture”The investments we made thus far in education, training, and professionalmanpower development do not put us at “ground zero” in the face of enhancedcompetition.However, this is not to say that we need not plan, organise, coordinate, strategiseand cooperate among ourselves to face competition from foreign players who mayhave better institutional experience and networking. Indeed we just have got todo that. To be sure, our people are equally exposed to international experiencein Singapore, Hong Kong and elsewhere, and they could be attracted to comeback with the new available opportunities, “if the price is right.” This brings usto an important issue: salaries and wages. Malaysia has to raise its wage level toattract quality labour and manpower from overseas and to bring back thousandsof Malaysians who are now working overseas.The “diaspora” can be one avenue to be tapped, but it must be accompanied bygenuine efforts to raise wages along with productivity. Finally, the Prime Ministerhas always argued for a growth model that is propelled by productivity, creativity,and a widespread innovation system and culture.In other words, the PM is exhorting for a mindset change in how we do things anda transformation in the domestic production and delivery system.The strident call by the Prime Minister that we should aim for a higher economicgrowth deserves a strong support by all.43