Mahathir highlights similarities between Malaysian, Jordanian development experience

AMMAN — Prime Minister Abdullah Ensour on Thursday met with former Malaysian prime minister Mahathir Mohamad who is currently visiting the Kingdom. 

Discussions covered bilateral relations and developments in the Middle East.

During a press conference held by the Abdul Hameed Shoman Foundation on Thursday, Mahathir spoke about the Malaysian experience in economic development that led to industrial advances in his country, with the sector becoming a major contributor to its gross domestic product.

He said Jordan’s experience is similar to the Malaysian one, aiming towards progress and economic reform, attracting investments and offering a proper environment for human resources.

The former premier said the number of people below the poverty line in Malaysia decreased from 52 per cent to only 5 per cent, as the average Malaysian’s annual income increased considerably.

The World Bank estimates the gross national income in Malaysia per capita at around $10,660.

Mahathir said the Malaysians were able to avoid conflicts between the Malays, Chinese and Indians, the three major ethnicities that make up the population, and they are able to unite even though they have different religions.

“Economy and politics are connected, so the economic disparity affects politics,” he noted.

“However, the engine for [economic] growth … is the private sector,” he added.

“Both private and public sectors should work hand-in-hand, and private companies should have social responsibility.”

Mahathir, who served as Malaysia’s prime minister between 1981 and 2003, said observing the growth of other countries like Japan helped Malaysia in its development and industrial plan.

The former prime minister also stressed his country’s keenness on empowering women, noting that they receive the same education opportunities as men and can work in ministries and even the army.