Rafizi lauds Economy Ministry for retaining reforms in 13MP

KUALA LUMPUR: Former Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli has expressed his appreciation to the staff of the Economy Ministry for ensuring that the key reforms initiated during his tenure were retained in the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), which was tabled in the Dewan Rakyat today.

In a statement today, Rafizi said that although he has not gone through the document in full, an initial reading of the executive summary shows that around 95 per cent of the reforms developed during his time in office have been preserved in the plan.

“All the major reforms, spanning education system restructuring, economic structure reform, and focus on new agendas such as ageing populations and the development of the third sector, have been retained,” he said.

Rafizi also noted that many key economic initiatives launched during his tenure, including the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR), KL20, Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JSSEZ), “Made by Malaysia” branding, and the shift towards a “consumption powerhouse” economic model, remain part of the plan.

He added that new policies yet to be announced, such as the Special Tourism Investment Zones (STIZ) and efforts to advance carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS), were also included.

Rafizi highlighted that controversial measures like the proposed Government Efficiency Commitment Act and legislation to ban the ‘Ali Baba’ business practice had also been retained, despite earlier resistance.

“God willing, I will comment on each aspect in the coming week, but let me first go through the document thoroughly,” he said.

Rafizi is expected to debate the plan in Parliament next Monday or Tuesday. He also plans to discuss it in detail on his “YBM” podcast on Aug 8, joined by economist Dr Muhammad Khalid.

Throughout August, Rafizi intends to analyse the key sectors and chapters of the 13MP to help the public understand the policy directions outlined.

“With this, one major responsibility that my colleagues and I at the Economy Ministry have carried since November 2022 is complete — drafting a long-term plan for a better future for all Malaysians,” he said.

He thanked the entire team at the ministry for their dedication over the past 20 months.

“They worked under tremendous pressure, especially amid last-minute speculation of a Cabinet reshuffle.

Thankfully, that proved to be just political noise. It means the ministry’s leadership succeeded in defending the importance of keeping long-term national planning separate from day-to-day political turbulence.”

Rafizi concluded by stressing that while the planning phase is complete, the next big challenge is ensuring that the initiatives are implemented effectively, regardless of which party is in power.

“My prayer is that the rakyat will be the ones who benefit most in the years to come.”

© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd

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