Malaysia needs good people in all sectors and if it succeeds in getting these talents, the country will definitely become a developed nation, said a DAP parliamentarian.

Commenting on the 9th Malaysia Plan, Kepong MP Tan Seng Giaw said he agreed with Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi that Thrust Two of the plan - 'enhancing the national capacity for knowledge and innovation and nurturing citizens with first class mentality' - was one of the biggest challenges.

"I shall keep reminding the government of the three strategies, namely, the mastery of knowledge, capabilities in science, research and development as well as innovation and a cultured society with strong moral values," he added in a statement yesterday.

Tan commended the government for allocating RM50.6 billion for education and training. "This huge sum is a step in the right direction. We hope that it will be used effectively."

Lip service

Malaysia scarcely has the social and cultural milieu for knowledge, R&D and innovation, noted the veteran politician.

For many years, there have been talks on these including tax incentives to attract professionals to return from overseas but here have not been many takers, he said.

"We see this lip service on meritocracy and talents in government departments, non-government organisations (NGOs) and political parties.

"Those who prattle on meritocracy may be the very persons who discourage talents," added the DAP deputy chairperson.

Tan said a person in a high position or aspiring to go up may feel threatened if there are talented people around.

"Mouthing meritocracy, he or she may ward off these people directly or indirectly. How do we get rid of this feudal mentality in government departments, NGOs, guides and associations?"

Equivalent positions

In the midst of incentives, he questioned if the government could make sure that experts who return from overseas get equivalent positions to those they have achieved overseas.

"If a scientist in UK is in a position to become a professor in a renown university in UK, can he or she be offered an equivalent post in a leading university in this country?

"Similarly, if a specialist is good enough to be a consultant in a famous hospital in UK, can he or she assume a consultant post here?" he asked

Returning to this country means they have a much lower income and the least the government can do is to give them recognition, he added.

He said the government should examine this and other aspects in implementing Thrust Two of the plan unveiled by Abdullah on Friday.