KUALA LUMPUR – The government intends to improve Malaysia’s position to rank 25 in the United Nations Human Development Index, which takes into account health and education outcomes, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Launching the Madani Economy initiative here today, he said that access to health and quality education is a priority for the government, and allocations will be increased in line with the government’s financial capabilities.
Anwar, who is also the finance minister, stated that the sustainability of the health system is critical to ensuring the people’s well-being.
“As recommended in the health white paper, the government is committed to a target of 5% of GDP for health service spending by optimising the public and private healthcare systems.
“The health white paper encompasses strategies for a period of 15 years with the aim of creating a more sustainable, resilient, and quality health system towards improving the level of people’s well-being and access to health for all. Among the approaches that will be taken is healthcare at the primary level, which is the whole of society,” he said.
The prime minister said the provision of quality health access is demonstrated by the construction of the National Disease Control Centre, with a project cost of RM305 million in Negri Sembilan.
He said the centre’s role is not only for disease referral but also as a facility to prepare the country to face any possible pandemic in the future.
In addition to this, Anwar said that a new paradigm shift includes a shift in the public health approach from treating patients to disease prevention, i.e. people will be empowered to maintain, protect, and enhance their own health.
Regarding education, he stated that the government will continue to provide a conducive learning environment and the best facilities for children.
“We have made various efforts, especially increasing allocations, simplifying procurement procedures, and reducing the power of implementation (decentralisation), to speed up the implementation of school projects and improve dilapidated schools.
At the same time, the Jendela (National Digital Network Plan) project continues to ensure that all schools are equipped with internet,” he said.
Acknowledging that education is supply-driven, Anwar said national education needs to be more demand-driven by strengthening cooperation with industry and employers, especially in the implementation of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as implemented at the Penang Skills Development Centre.
“Aware of the fact that we now live in a global economy that is constantly changing and challenging, there is a need for a more progressive lifelong learning approach for all Malaysians.
“We need to provide life-long learning paths in whatever skills the people want to learn, whether it’s at universities, TVET institutions, or micro-credentials that are required,” he said.
The prime minister said for that purpose, the government, through the Social Security Organisation, provides an allocation of RM42 million for the career building programme, which is a skills improvement programme (upskilling) for informal workers, including gig workers with Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia qualifications and below. – July 27, 2023