Gerakan deputy president Cheah Soon Hai has expressed concern that the country's modernisation plan may have been hijacked by "certain quarters of society" and wants a return to the era of Dr Mahathir Mohamad and his Vision 2020.

Cheah ( right ) said in a press statement today that he was inspired by a speech delivered by the former prime minister at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UiTM) on Wednesday.

Mahathir, who was prime minister for 22 years, emphasised the importance of industrialisation, innovation and research and development as the prerequisite conditions for Malaysia to become a fully-developed nation.

Kedah-born Cheah said he longed to see the government go back to more "avant-garde" or  innovative ways of national development.

“I notice that ever since the divisive 13th general election was concluded last May, instead of moving forward the country has been moving backward, with more restrictive measures introduced.

"The growing prevalence of a narrowing socio-political mindset is causing divisiveness in the national orientation," Cheah said.

He said that since the BN government has given play to “conservative and sectarian” segments of Malaysian society, many Malaysians have become confused.

"Many of them have lost faith and confidence, as if the country is currently at a crossroad and disoriented, without a clear direction from the leaders of the day,” Cheah said.

Cheah also called on the government leaders to subscribe to the Malaysian spirit, which should include a "modern frame of mind" and "forward-looking plans."