PUTRAJAYA: It is time for Malaysia to have its own index to measure the people's psychological wellbeing, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said today.
He suggested that terms and references including perimeters for the index, known as the Malaysia Psychological Wellbeing Index, to be developed.
"I throw this challenge to the academicians who are in the public service sector as well as existing experts to come up with the index," he said at the launch of the Human Capital Psychology Conference.
Also present were Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim, Public Service director-general Tan Sri Zainal Rahim Seman and Social Security Organisation (Socso) chairman Tan Sri Aseh Che Mat.
Zahid added it was important for Malaysia to have the tool to gauge the people's psychological wellbeing especially the country's workforce.
"We have to ensure that the workers who contribute to the nation's development are those with positive mindset, mature, have the ability to be creative as well as innovative and strong to face current challenges," he said.
The deputy prime minister also stressed on the need to further strengthen efforts in churning out workers who were physically, emotionally and spiritually balance.
"Such an equilibrium is crucial to be attained by every worker so that they can give their best as Malaysia is heading towards 2050."
Zahid stressed a country's success was not merely determined by the economic dimension, in fact it was supported by its human capital development founded on acumen and professionalism.
"What we have done for the country's human capital development has been recognised by others.
"The Global Talent Competitiveness Index 2017 (GTCI) has acknowledged Malaysia's efforts in building talents especially things related to technology and innovation.
"Malaysia ranked 28 out of 118 countries for its ability to attract, groom and retain talents," he said, adding that the government had managed to create 1.8 million jobs between 2010 and 2016 and more than one million of them were high-paying jobs.
The deputy prime minister also listed down other Malaysia's achievements including Malaysia secured the 35th spot out of 80 countries for good life quality under the Best Countries Report (2017) by Y&R's BAV Consulting and the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
He said all of these were possible with strong, capable and mentally healthy people.