Zahid: More emphasis on Science, Technology, Innovation needed

KUALA LUMPUR: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said Malaysians still "failed" to utilise science, technology and innovation(STI) to steer the nation forward.
"The solution to all the problems that revolve around us lies within STI and not politics. We will also fail as a government and as a nation if we cannot use STI in performing our tasks.
"There are many sciences (developments) but it is very underutilised," Ahmad Zahid said when launching the National Innovation and Creative Economy Exposition 2017 (NICE'17) at the Malaysian Technological Park here.
Thus, Ahmad Zahid said he is committed to include science in the national development agenda and its system.
"We don't think scientifically. We are too lazy to think and we distance ourselves from science. We are distancing ourselves from the best instrument in developing the nation.
"But this is about to end, I am committed to using science and technology to stimulate innovation," he said.
Ahmad Zahid said the solution to future global challenges also lies within STI.
Citing an example, Ahmad Zahid said the Common Gaming House Act 1953 is deemed to be "irrelevant" as most illegal gambling cases are now performed online.
"If the police do not use innovation, it does not matter how big their manpower is because criminals will continue committing crimes (using unconventional methods).
"For instance, the Common Gaming Houses Act was introduced in 1953 but it is no longer relevant now or for the next 50 years because the offences are not committed publicly, but online," he said.
Ahmad Zahid added the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (Mosti) is in the midst of completing the National STI Masterplan to further the use of STI.