Former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad today drew thundering applause and laughter when he explained how he decided on the coveted 'Vision 2020'.

Fielding questions from the floor during a talk at the Multimedia University (MMU) in Cyberjaya, Mahathir was quizzed on the vision to turn Malaysia into a fully industrialised nation.

"Why not 2015 or 2030, what is so significant about 2020?" was the final question for the day.

Those who were expecting a lengthy and complicated explanation were taken aback when the former premier disclosed his secret.

There were no economics or politics involved, but rather optometry.

"I have friends who are optometrists. Optometrists measure your vision and they have to give a number in order to measure your vision. They say if you have 2020 vision, you have perfect vision.

"That's why I picked 2020," he replied to a thunderous applause and laughter from some 800 people who packed MMU's grand hall to hear Mahathir's speech.

The former premier, who returned from a trip to Kazakhstan on Wednesday, said the Eastern European nation had set 2030 to achieve its vision.

"Perhaps they have better vision," quipped Mahathir, drawing more laughter and applause.

Pope's remarks

Moving to a more serious matter, Mahathir said the Muslim world must show restraint in voicing their anger to the remarks made by Pope Benedict.

"You can give your comments but don't be physical about it, not to the extent of burning embassies," he told reporters later.

Asked if the Vatican could do more to improve relations with Muslims, Mahathir said: "I think he (Pope Benedict) could do more and (he) must not point fingers at others."

The Pope had riled up the Muslim world on Sept 12 by quoting a Byzantine emperor who described Prophet Muhammad as "evil and inhuman". He has since apologised for this.

Also present at the talk was Mahathir's wife and MMU chancellor Dr Siti Hasmah Ali as well as foreign dignitaries.