Under the first five-year national plan, the country’s priority was to raise the income level and improve the well-being of its citizens, especially those who lived in rural areas. – Bernama photo
KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 29): Malaysia has emerged from an agriculture-based society to now being on the cusp of developed nation status since the First Malaysia Plan was launched in 1966.
Under the first five-year national plan, the country’s priority was to raise the income level and improve the well-being of its citizens, especially those who lived in rural areas.
To achieve these goals, the government counted on strategies to generate employment opportunities, introduce new economic activities, improve health and social welfare services and ensure basic utilities reach every part of the nation.
Nearly six decades on, and with major strides made in its progress, Malaysia now stands shoulder to shoulder with not only its Asean neighbours but many other developing countries.
The goal of the next plan, the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), is to take Malaysia to a new level of growth and development.
The socio-economic development plan for the country from 2026 to 2030 will be based on the aspirations contained in the Madani Economy Framework, an initiative to address various challenges related to Malaysia’s ability to attract investments and remain competitive as well as an action plan to deal with issues that affect the people.
Over and above that, the plan is to propel Malaysia to the forefront of the Asian economy while enhancing the quality of life for the people.
Under the 13MP, which is being formulated, the government will focus on collaborative efforts between the state and federal governments to bridge socio-economic and development gaps between states.
Among others, the government aspires to make Malaysia a nation of productive and self-respecting citizens living together in peace.
Accountability, integrity and transparency will be an integral part of the decision-making process, and natural resources will be used in a sustainable and responsible manner.
Innovative Malaysians will get the opportunity to play an active role in high-value and competitive industries through the widespread use of advanced technology.
This will also help to close the digital gap between Malaysia and developed countries.
Workers will acquire skills to make them more competitive in the market while the introduction of a progressive wage system will reward them with higher compensation and, by extension, a higher standard of living.
Last but not least, Malaysia will play its role as a regional economic champion.
These objectives will be achieved through four tactical approaches – targeted development expenditure allocation, governance, addressing structural issues and strategic development.
Resources will be allocated based on key performance indicators as well as achievements made in the pursuit of specific goals.
Malaysia will also focus on high growth high value (HGHV) sectors such as digital technology, energy transition as well as electrical and electronics.
Efforts will be made to instill values based on the principles of “Masqasid Syariah” such as religion, life, intellect, lineage and property for better unity.
Discussions are in progress among the various stakeholders to formulate a viable socio-economic development strategy to ensure that the nation meets the goals of the 13MP.
Apart from the various ministries, government agencies and the respective state governments, others who have been roped in for the discussions are representatives of relevant international organisations, business groups and academia.
The government is also seeking the views of members of the public and those who wish to have their say can fill out a form available at https://rmk13.ekonomi.gov.my.
The government is expected to table the draft of the 13th Malaysia Plan for debate in the Dewan Rakyat in July next year.
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