Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi today called on Malaysians to balance physical and spiritual development to help realise Malaysia’s aspiration to become a developed nation by 2020.

He said the spiritual shield should be built as a defence in combating numerous social ills which would eventually demolish the morals of society.

“We must return to religion..regardless of what religion we profess...we must strengthen our morals and minds in line with the latest developments. This is important.

“There are states, districts and areas where we have poured plenty of investments in terms of development and provision of numerous facilities but we lose our foothold as a consequence of merely giving progress which is only outwardly in nature, this is what we want to transform,” he said.

He said this when launching the Terengganu-level "Expresi Negaraku" programme and National Sports Day at Dataran Merdeka today.

Also present were Communications and Multimedia Minister Salleh Said Keruak, his deputy Jailani Johari and Terengganu Menteri Besar Ahmad Razif Abdul Rahman.

Ahmad Zahid said the "Expresi Negaraku" programme was an example which could interpret balanced physical and spiritual development with the involvement of the government, private sector, and the people.

He said the programme could highlight icons who had successfully transformed themselves and were contributing positively to society after being involved in negative activities.

On a lighter note, he highlighted popular comedian Nabil as an example, saying: “In the past he was known as a ‘mat rempit’ but now he is addressed as Haji Nabil, and his attitude currently is increasingly liked by society,” he said.

Ahmad Zahid, who is also home minister, said a balanced society could ensure sustainable development for a long period of time.

“The government will never cease to carry out transformation after 2020, but will do so in the 30 years (after) because we want Malaysia to be recognised as among the 20 top developed nations on the world map,” he added.

- Bernama