13MP risks failure if outdated practices not addressed, says Rafizi

KUALA LUMPUR: Former economy minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli has warned that the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) could be derailed if six persistent political and bureaucratic habits are not addressed.

Rafizi, who is also the Pandan member of parliament, said these entrenched behaviours, if left unchecked, could hinder the five-year development roadmap from achieving its goals.

Speaking during the Dewan Rakyat debate on the 13MP, he stressed the importance of a long-term and consistent mindset across government, opposition, civil service, and the public.

He pointed out a recurring issue in which successive governments tend to abandon existing national plans whenever there is a change in leadership.

“Each time there’s a change in government or a new minister takes over, the previous plans are discarded. Then more money is spent drafting new ones.

“This cycle must stop,” he said.

Rafizi also pointed to political partisanship as a major obstacle, where sound proposals are rejected simply because they originate from political rivals.

“Many good ideas are sidelined not because they are flawed, but because they didn’t come from our side. That mentality is toxic.”

He also criticised the lack of consistent support for policies, saying politicians and agencies often express initial support but later undermine implementation when it no longer serves their interests.

“People agree in meetings, but then quietly work to derail the effort, hoping the funds or focus will shift in their favour.”

Rafizi added that a culture of inaction persists within the civil service and government-linked bodies.

“In most organisations, 80 per cent of the people just wait. If something works, they rush to claim credit.

“If it fails, they’re the first to criticise. This attitude will derail even the best-laid plans.”

He warned that the “this is how it’s always been done” mindset was perhaps the most damaging of all.

“If the government, civil service, and private sector continue doing things simply because that’s how they’ve always been done, the 13MP will end up as just another five-year plan collecting dust.”

© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd

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