Youth's aspiration, views integral to success of NT50

In so saying, Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman added that although it is the present government that was spearheading the NT50, it would be the future generations that would be reaping the benefits.

"It means that the present youth is the generation that would carry it on and benefit from it.

"That's how grand the leaders and government's design of the development agenda is in preparing the country for the next stage of development which will become more challenging as we move towards 2050," he said.

He said this while opening the NT50 dialogue here today.

Musa said the government led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak had taken proactive steps in laying down the track through programmes such as the dialogue for youths to express views and aspirations for NT50's success.

Meanwhile, Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin told reporters after the dialogue that although NT50 is a futuristic roadmap for the country over a period of 30 years after 2020, it does not solely focus on economic development.

"When we define a country, it is not based on economic figures but in the aspect of artistry, our civilisation, our heritage and our culture.

"So for me, our exercise in NT50 does not only touch on work but the values on how we want to live in a country," he said.

Khairy said 1,200 youths participated in the dialogue, with more than 35 proposals on making TN50 a success, most of which emphasised on sustainable and smart development.

"This is also in line with the Sabah chief minister's vision for development that is not only aimed for this generation," he noted.

Sabah is the first state to be chosen for the NT50 dialogue roadshow. Khairy said the next state would be Terengganu on Feb 27 followed by Johor on March 3 and Perak on March 8.