(1.0) Introduction
Malaysia has entered into their 12th Malaysia Plan (RMKe-12) as announced by Prime Minister Dato' Ismail Sabri Yaakob, or famously each five (5) years there would be new Malaysia Plans. In Bahasa Malaysia, it is known as Rancangan Malaysia Ke (RMK). The objective of the RMKe-12 is 'Malaysia Makmur, Inklusif, Mapan' and would initiate from 2021 to 2025. This is to espouse the spirit of 'Keluarga Malaysia' or Malaysia Family.
In the meantime, the RMKe-12 is to be in linear with the SDGs under the 2030 Agenda and the Shared Prosperity Vision 2030 (SPV2030). RM400 billion would be allocated for RMKe-12, which is higher compared to the 11th Malaysia Plan (RMKe-11) which is RM248.5 billion.
It is to replace the previous RMKe-11 under the Najib administration with the objective of 'Anchoring Growth on People' that inspired on Vision 2020. Dato' Sri Mustapa bin Mohamed, who is the Economic Minister at the Prime Minister's Department, said that the RMKe-12 would introduce new measures on three (3) themes and fourteen (14) catalysts of changes for a concrete foundation for our country in the future.
(2.0) The Three Themes
The following are the three themes of RMKe-12 which are;
Theme 1: Revitalise the Economy
The first theme is to revitalise and propel a strong trajectory to Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs). This could potentially drive Malaysia in a positive momentum to become a high-income and high-technology nation by 2025. Focus would be invested to expedite development in eight (8) industries that are electricity, electronics, global services, aerospace, creativity, tourism, halal, smart agriculture and biomass. Malaysia would also reduce reliance on low-skilled labour and allow a larger leeway for private sectors and investments.
Theme 2: Strengthen Safety, Prosperity and Inclusivity
This theme focuses on strengthening safety in alleviating crimes, protecting our sovereignty as well as providing access to rehabilitation and preparedness for security threats. The health of the people would also be prioritised with better healthcare and sports facilities. Housing was also said to be more accessible and with good quality.
Discrepancy or the disparities among social groups in the rural areas and the cities, as well as those in Sabah and Sarawak would be reduced. In those regards, poverty could be reduced, especially among the B40s, ethnic groups and individuals with different financial backgrounds. It is expected that the average monthly household income would be at RM10,065 compared to the current RM7,160.
Theme 3: Propel Sustainability
This theme emphasises on expediting green growth and sustainable energy, while transforming the water sector. The environment is under threat and prompt action must be employed to cater to his. With this theme, appreciation for the environment could be cultivated. We are committed to reduce or greenhouse gas emission of GDO by 45% by 2030, line with the Paris Agreement 2015.
Malaysia is not necessarily a developed country with just a high-income status.
A developed country should also have the means for better responsibility in their water sources. The Water Sector Transformation 2040 (WST 2040) agenda would be staged as a strategic maneuver to ensure that the water sector is a dynamic growth, while also provide water supply for all. There would also be the Water Resources Bill 2016 as to conform with legal implications.
(3.0) Catalyst Policies for RMKe-12
Policy 1: Improving talents for the future
The country is to focus on the employment sector, which this relates to the education level as well. Hence, the government is intending to provide a overhaul to education and its institution to encourage employment and skills after graduation. The TVET industry would also be enhanced, whereby we would no longer rely on foreign workers. New technologies in artificial forms would benefit the education sectors.
As of now, there is a huge mismatch of the education level to employability. The policies could build up the marketability of the students. This is aligned with the Graduate Marketability Strategic Plan 2021-2025. More focus would be injected into the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). There would be efforts to improve dilapidated schools too and facilities at universities. Therefore, by 2025 unemployment rate is only at 4%.
Policy 2: Increasing usage of technology and innovation
Digitalising every sector is one of the main catalysts for developing a country. Especially now, during the Industrial Revolution 4.0, it will be used to encourage economic stimulus, based on advanced technology. This serves as an impetus, so that Malaysia would not be handicapped in terms of infrastructure, digital service, non-integrated administration, large digital gap as well as in the R&D&C&I (which is research, development, commercialisation and innovation.)
Policy 3: Improving connectivity and Transportation Infrastructure
Transportation and logistics play a vital role in nurturing growth. The transportation infrastructure would cover facilities for trade, public transportation as well as the institutions responsible for this. Among the infrastructure includes, railways, integrated roads with airports, ports, industrial zones and cities. Malaysia would soon become a hub for innovation.
Policy 4: Strengthen the Public Service
The Public Sector would be improved through digitalisation as this could ramp up the speed of projects, and standardise cooperation between three levels of the government. Integrity is of an important aspect, so that our nation could fully develop maturely. Studying and reorganisation of different governmental ministries and agencies would also be considered for optimal function and execution of their respective duties.
(4.0) Conclusion
To conclude, the 12th Malaysia Plan may not be a legally binding document as it is only persuasive, it does not form a legal source, primarily or secondarily in nature. It is not a precedent or legislation. However, as Malaysians we should aspire and help our country boost their performance in a competitive and good development to bring ourselves forward for a brighter and better future. We should not rely heavily on the government or others too much, because self-initiative is important, as to shape an independent identity for ourselves.
(5.0) References;
TheEdgeMarkets. (n.d) Highlights of the 12th Malaysia Plan. Retrieved from, https://www.theedgemarkets.com/microsite/12-malaysia-plan
Ringkasan Eksekutif. Rancangan Malaysia Kedua Belas 2021-2025. Malaysia Makmur, Inklusif, Mampan. (2021) https://rmke12.epu.gov.my/file/download/2021092750_ringkasan_eksekutif.pdf?path=fileUpload/2021/09/2021092750_ringkasan_eksekutif.pdf&name=Ringkasan%20Eksekutif.pdf
Emamanuel Santa Maria Chin. (September, 2021) 12th Malaysia Plan: Govt looking to boost graduates’ marketability, ensure opportunities for all demographic groups, says PM. Retrieved from, https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2021/09/27/12th-malaysia-plan-govt-looking-to-boost-graduates-marketability-education/2008751
TheStar. (September, 2021) 12th Malaysia Plan: Economic highlights. Retrieved from, https://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2021/09/27/12-malaysia-plan-economic-highlights
MalayMail. (September, 2021) 12th Malaysia Plan: Putrajaya to restructure water sector under 20-year transformation agenda. Retrieved from, https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2021/09/27/12th-malaysia-plan-putrajaya-to-restructure-water-sector-under-20-year-tran/2008758
Tan, V. (September, 2021) Tackling inequalities, accelerating green growth among priorities in 12th Malaysia Plan tabled by PM Ismail Sabri. Retrieved from, https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/12th-malaysia-plan-pm-ismail-sabri-tackling-inequalities-accelerating-green-growth-priorities-2204791
Comments
Post a Comment