Policy Continuity and Endorsement
Former Economy Minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli has confirmed that the 13th Malaysia Plan (MP13) largely retains the core policy groundwork he established during his tenure, a clear signal of continuity in national planning despite his recent departure from the cabinet. The Pandan MP, who was present for the plan’s tabling by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in Parliament, noted that nearly all of the major economic reforms he initiated have been sustained within the official document. This decision underscores a deliberate commitment to long-term economic strategies that transcend political shifts and temporary changes in leadership. Rafizi specifically highlighted the retention of key restructuring initiatives, including the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR), KL20, the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JSSEZ), the “Made by Malaysia” branding strategy, and the strategic pivot towards a “consumption powerhouse” economy. The plan’s comprehensive nature is further demonstrated by its incorporation of even forward-looking concepts such as carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) and the Special Tourism Investment Zone (STIZ), which were developed but not yet officially announced during his time in office.
Commitment to Broad Structural Reform
Beyond the high-profile economic initiatives, the 13th Malaysia Plan also maintains a commitment to broader structural reforms spanning critical sectors of the economy and society. Rafizi pointed to the document’s continued focus on transforming education, overhauling economic structures, and developing a long-term policy for an ageing society. Furthermore, the plan incorporates proposed legislation that had previously faced political resistance, such as the anti-red tape act and the anti-Ali Baba bill, indicating a strong governmental resolve to push these reforms through. The former minister, however, is not yet prepared to offer his full analysis of the comprehensive document. He stated his intention to conduct a thorough review of the complete MP13 document before providing a detailed public response, with a parliamentary debate on the plan scheduled for the following week. This measured approach suggests a deep commitment to understanding the nuances of the plan before contributing to the national discourse. A more in-depth analysis is also scheduled to be featured on his YBM podcast with economist Dr. Muhammad Abdul Khalid.
Praising Resilience and Emphasizing Future Implementation
In a statement that acknowledged the political climate, Rafizi expressed his gratitude to the dedicated officials at the Economy Ministry who worked diligently under immense time pressure to finalize the plan. He praised their ability to navigate and resist the political rumors that could have potentially disrupted the progress of the long-term national planning. Rafizi shared his relief that “the rumors turned out to be mere political reactions,” which means the ministry’s leadership successfully “defended the integrity of long-term national planning from being muddled by political noise.” Moving forward, he stressed that the focus must shift from the planning phase to the more crucial stage of effective implementation. He emphasized that the successful execution of the plan should be the primary concern for all parties, regardless of any future political changes, in order to ensure that the Malaysian populace receives the tangible benefits of these reforms.
