On Aug 4, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Mahathir Mohamad launched the Second National Economic Consultative Council (NECC II), whose duties are to hold discussions with all parties which have the right to determine the direction of the nation's future.  Made up of 155 representatives from various fields of expertise, the NECC II has one primary aim - "to devise a replacement for the National Development Policy" which expires at the end of year 2000.

In the words of the Prime Minister, the NECC II does not have a political agenda but the selection of its members is done with the hope that all segments of society are represented in discussions for a new development policy.  Discussions concerning the future of the nation is not an easy task as there may be certain external factors beyond our control.

But the least the Government should do is to provide a forum and give an opportunity to all parties to help shape and determine the future development policies for Malaysia as it enters the new millenium.  What is significant in the Prime Minister's opening speech is that the future brings various challenges in all aspect of our lives, be it economic, social, education, business, industrial, trade or others.

This means that we have to formulate a strategy different from the one we have to enable the country to face globalisation and liberalisaton.  In other words, to make Malaysia part of the globalised society.  Malaysia has to move forward and become a world-class destination for all successful activities.

For example, in business and trade, we must strive to develop strong and capable Malaysian entrepreneurs who can withstand tests and meet the challenges of globalisation.  We need to develop products to increase the country's competitiveness through the emergence of an efficient workforce.

In this regard, human resource development is crucial by providing the youths with the necessary training while at the same time instilling in them good characteristics like discipline and hard work.  We have to look seriously into the question of moral affecting our youths.

Making Malaysia a fully developed nation requires the development of strong morals and ethics, incorporating religious and spiritual values.  NECC II members need to discuss  in greater depth the formulation and implementation of new development policies that can help achieve Vision 2020 and overcome the nine challenges mentioned therein.

Divided into seven working committees, namely, national unity, restructuring of society, poverty eradication, the economy and national competitiveness, human resource development, Islamic banking and finance, and science and technology, the NEC II has to complete its task by September next year.

The public will have an opportunity to be involved with the formulation of a new development policy by forwarding their views and comments to the secretariat of NEC II which is the EPU of the Prime Minister's Department.  Th epublic should take advantage of the invitation by NEC II to forward their views, comments and suggestions related to the various working committees for their deliberation.

This is a good opportunity for the public, non-governmental organisations, interested parties and concerned individuals to provide feedback and participate in the formulation of the new development policy to propel Malaysia into the next century.  The council needs all the feedback and input to enable it to discuss in depth and formulate a comprehensive policy for nation building and consolidation as we move into the new millennium.

The composition of the NEC II has been quite well spread with representation from various strata of society, professions, different religions, cultures and ethnic groups.  No one should claim a monopoly on ideas as to how the country should be developed and managed.