NEW YORK: The government is looking into ways to address the brain drain the country is facing and attract skilled Malaysians to return, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He said the relevant ministries, including Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry, Economy Ministry and Higher Education Ministry, were engaging with those who could return and be placed at specific areas of competence to help Malaysia.
"I am sure this can be done, it is ongoing... and we should, as you know we are encountering the problem of brain drain in the past years.
"Top scholars, top economists, top accountants are leaving (the country) or have left.
"So, now we have to make sure that we have a system that can encourage them to come back," he said during a dinner with Malaysian diaspora and students here onFriday.
Anwar said Malaysia had enormous potential to rise as a vibrant economy as it had the resources, skilled workforce and strong economic fundamentals.
He said the unity government had crafted policies, namely the Madani Economy, the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) and the New Industrial Masterplan 2030 (NIMP 2030) to support it, he said.
NETR, which comprises catalytic projects worth RM25 billion, planned to make Malaysia a hub for renewable energy and green technology, he said.
At the same time, the NIMP 2030 is not a rehash of the old plan but a departure from it, as it focuses on specific missions and new thrusts, he said.
"Last week, we approved the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) midterm review, which was not just an ordinary review of the old plan.
"The MTR entails a shift in focus, policies and direction — taking into account the new government's policy of good governance and democratic accountability, as well as the aim to transform Malaysia into a vibrant and economically, socially and academically successful nation," he said.
He said Malaysians in the United States could play a role in serving the country by being "ambassadors" and represent the new Malaysian spirit and ideals.
He said although some of those present might have been living in the US for many decades, he was confident that they would still want to see Malaysia succeed.
"Our dream, my dream and your dream is to make sure Malaysia rises again.
"And I, from the bottom of my heart, would say this: that I have full trust and confidence in Malaysians."
On the question of dual citizenship, Anwar said the matter would be discussed by assessing the implications of the implementation, as it would involve a major policy decision.
"The foreign minister and home minister will put up a paper and will discuss its implications.
"For now, we are not in favour of it, but since there were requests, we'll look at it and see whether we need to adjust (the policy) or not," he said.
Anwar was asked if there was a possibility for the government to allow dual citizenship to encourage Malaysian professionals living abroad to contribute to the country's development, without having to choose between their homeland and adopted countries. — BERNAMA