Muhyiddin: Science must be relevant to nation's aspirations

KUALA LUMPUR: Science is most essential in driving Malaysia's economy as it is the key to creating jobs and generating income for Malaysians, said Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin (pix).
He said that many elements important for fostering and using good science in the country are well embedded in national economic development plans.
"But achieving this requires a good relationship between science and society, based on trust in science and scientists," he said, adding that such a need cannot be taken for granted.
Speaking at the welcoming ceremony of the 3rd United Nations Secretary-General Scientific Advisory Board Meeting here, Muhyiddin said for the past three decades, Malaysia has undergone a period of rapid and sustained growth facilitated by the government through market liberalisation, offering incentives for investment, removing barriers and encouraging the private sector to help co-develop the country's progress.
"We have put in place policies, regulations and guidelines to promote sustainable development – for a clean, safe and healthy environment for all Malaysians," he said.
He added Malaysia has been pursuing sustainable development strategies, including in the recently launched 11th Malaysian Plan.
"(Such strategies) bring economic, social and environmental objectives of society together - in order to maximise human well-being in the present without compromising the interest and needs of future generations," he added.
He said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak also champions the Science to Action (S2A) initiative aligned with the government's New Economic Model.
"Operating within the S2A framework is the Malaysia chapter of the global Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN), a group identifiying Malaysia's best practices and models," he added.