The Government must take greater efforts to enhance social development based on noble values to help strengthen human capabilities and the role of family institutions in achieving a balanced society.

The success of Malaysia depends not only on economics, science, and information communication technology, but also on how we can build a society which is morally, spiritually and mentally strong and healthy.

This can be a bulwark against the many social and moral issues besieging our society. Our future depends on a strong and cohesive moral foundation.

Despite the many accomplishments, the social progress is still lagging behind. It is time for us to address the country?s social capital. All Malaysians must take responsibility for the failing values and declining social standards prevalent today.

The serious crime rates, the unresolved drug menace, corruption in the public and private sectors, indiscipline in schools and the culture of violence in our midst all point to an urgent need to address the social capital.

Unless and until we succeed in boosting our social capital, no amount of economic development can strengthen our social fabric in the face of new challenges. This is why it is important for Malaysia to balance rapid economic growth with moral and societal values.

Social ills are the symptom of an unhappy society. Many factors have been blamed for causing social ills, including the lack of parental supervision, lack of moral education, urbanisation and the oft-discussed delinquent behaviour of teenagers. The time has come for us as a nation to improve the quality of life and address the negative trends head-on before the situation deteriorates.

The Malaysian Crime Prevention Founda?tion calls for a relook of our National Social Policy to determine to what extent it has con?tributed towards creating a progressive and sustainable society based on strong moral values.

A review of the policy is also needed to evaluate efforts by the Government to create a stable, healthy and harmonious Malaysian society based on a strong moral foundation to balance rapid economic growth with moral and societal values.

TAN SRI LEE LAM THYE, Vice-Chairman, MCPF.