While tabling the mid-term review of the 11th Malaysia Plan, Malaysian Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said that his Government will no longer measure development through economic growth, but now now also mean “shared prosperity” between all citizens from an increase in purchasing power, and the elimination of a wide income gap between classes and ethnicity.

In assuring that no state or territory will be left behind Dr Mahathir said his Government “see development from the aspect of increasing the people’s purchasing power and development that can be enjoyed by all citizens or ‘shared prosperity’.”

“Development in the real sense must contribute towards the development of Malaysian nation. Continued and widespread economic growth require a non-economic environment to also be robust and free from political hold. Governance must be clean from corruption and abuse of power.”

“The wealth of the country will not be robbed by any party,” he said in veiled reference to the failed Najib-administration.

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In referring to a Malaysian publication’s report of Dr Mahathir’s comments at the mid-term review of the 11th Malaysia Plan, secretary-general of the Singaporeans First Party Tan Jee Say said “shared prosperity” can happen in Singapore too, if Singaporeans were brave enough to agree to the following:

  • increase purchasing power by abolishing the 7% GST;
  • build cheaper new public flats;
  • provide cheaper healthcare;
  • waiver of fees for schools, ITE, polytechnics, colleges, universities;
  • provide 90% grant for childcare;
  • give monthly allowance of $300 for children and elderly, etc; and
  • eliminate wide income gap through wage reform, with minimum wage and substantial reduction in salaries of ministers, top civil servants and top management of Gpvernment Linked Companies.

Mr Tan said: “Can we do it? Yes, we can. How? Vote out the PAP!”