In a symbolic and nostalgic ceremony, two-time former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad officially opened the Wawasan 2020 time capsule yesterday, nearly three decades after it was sealed. The capsule, which had been kept at the base of the Kuala Lumpur Tower since its official opening on October 1, 1996, was finally unveiled to the public.

Originally scheduled to be opened in the year 2020, coinciding with the target year of the Vision 2020 plan, the opening was postponed due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. The delay, however, did little to dampen the significance of the moment.

The time capsule contained a collection of symbolic items that reflected Malaysia's ambitions at the time the Vision 2020 initiative was launched. Among the contents were rare RM2 banknotes, construction photographs of the KL Tower, promotional posters, VCDs, photographic film rolls, and newspaper advertisements from the 1990s that showcased the tower's early days.

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Antara barangan yang disimpan dalam Kapsul Masa Wawasan 2020 yang telah ditanam selama 28 tahun di Menara Kuala Lumpur

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Tun Dr Mahathir, who was instrumental in conceptualising Vision 2020, lightened the mood with a touch of humour as he addressed attendees. " I didn't think I'd be here to see what's inside, I thought I'd be gone by now," he quipped.

Reflecting on the nation's growth since the capsule was sealed, he added, "I hope this tower continues to symbolise the country's progress. There were no skyscrapers in Kuala Lumpur, but now, KL is like New York, full of tall buildings."

He also expressed hope for Kuala Lumpur's continued evolution. "I hope Kuala Lumpur continues to grow as a metropolitan centre for economic, political, and social activity and contributes to the world," he said.

The event served as a reminder of how far Malaysia has come, while also inspiring hope for the nation's future growth and development.