FORMER Prime Minister, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, opened the Wawasan 2020 time capsule, which has been kept since October 1, 1996, in a special ceremony at Menara Kuala Lumpur today.
The historic capsule, which is over 28 years old, contains various symbolic items that reflect the nation's aspirations and hopes to achieve developed nation status by the year 2020, as outlined in the Vision 2020 concept introduced by Dr. Mahathir.
At the event, Dr. Mahathir symbolically opened the capsule and revealed its contents, which reflected Malaysia's grand vision and hopes when he launched the Vision 2020 concept nearly three decades ago.
The contents included photographs of the Kuala Lumpur Tower’s construction, RM2 banknotes, KL Tower posters, photographic film, newspaper advertisements for the tower, video compact discs (VCDs), and several other items.
Also present were his wife, Datin Seri Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali and former prime minister, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
The time capsule was buried in conjunction with the inauguration of the Kuala Lumpur Tower and was originally scheduled to be opened in 2020 but was delayed due to various factors, including the Covid-19 pandemic.
The soon-to-be centenarian said he never thought he would open the time capsule at his age.
"I didn't think I'd be here to see what's inside ... thought I'd be gone by now," he said in jest.
The former prime minister also read a poem from the capsule which he said brought back fond memories. – April 13, 2025
