KUALA LUMPUR – The 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) mid-term review (MTR), which outlines policies and initiatives to strengthen the country’s development agenda and the wellbeing of the people towards achieving the objectives of Madani Economy, was tabled at the special Dewan Negara sitting today.
Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli tabled the 12MP MTR motion, which saw the unity government increasing the expenditure ceiling for the 12MP by RM15 billion, to be debated by members of the upper house over the four-day sitting.
In his speech, Rafizi said the 12MP MTR gives new priority and emphasis on policies, strategies, and initiatives for socioeconomic development and steps to enhance the country’s governance with three main focuses: strengthening sustainability, developing a prosperous society, and moving towards a high-income nation.
While expressing hope that all the senators would give their cooperation, support and blessings for the government’s efforts to plan and implement the national development agenda in line with the aspirations of Malaysia Madani and based on the framework of Madani Economy: Empowering the People, tabled on July 27.
“I also called upon all Malaysians to work together to ensure the sustainable growth of the national economy and that the distribution of the nation’s wealth is transparent, fair, and just,” he said.
The motion on the 12MP MTR involving a total allocation of RM415 billion was passed with a majority voice vote in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday.
The 12MP tabled on September 27, 2021, with an initial allocation of RM400 billion, is the complementary phase of the country’s five-year development plan (2021-2025) towards achieving the status of a developed and inclusive nation.
The mid-term review was carried out to assess the achievements of the first two years (2021-2022) and the direction for 2023-2025, encompassing a review of targets, strategies, initiatives, development programmes, and projects to achieve the goal of inclusive and sustainable economic development.
The 12MP MTR focuses on two aspects: assessment and review, including achievements, gap analysis, as well as improvement and direction proposals.
Earlier, Senate president Tan Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said the debate on the 12MP MTR will take place today and tomorrow, while replies from the relevant ministries are slated for September 25 and 26.
At the same time, Wan Junaidi also welcomed the newly appointed senators, namely Senator Susan Chemerai Anding and Senator Datuk Mustafa Musa who took their oath of office on August 21, and Senator Nik Mohamad Abduh Nik Abdul Aziz who was sworn in yesterday. – September 20, 2023