Mindset change needed for 13MP to succeed, says Rafizi

The Star

3 days ago

KUALA LUMPUR: Former economy minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli (PH-Pandan) says a change in attitude and approach is needed to ensure successful implementation of the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP).
He said good initiatives under the 13MP should be continued and improved upon, regardless of which administration started them.
'If the government, or even the ministers, were changed, usually plans that were previously agreed upon would be discarded, and the government would spend (more) to create something new.
'This practice needs to stop. If the plan is good and its target is good, it should be maintained and improved upon by the (next) government,' he said when debating 13MP in the Dewan Rakyat on Monday (Aug 4).
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He also said the prevalent mindset of rejecting ideas simply because they did not originate from one's own political faction is a significant issue that must be addressed.
This attitude, which often results in good ideas being sidelined despite their potential benefits and the resources already invested, is widespread within the system, he added.
'It's prevalent in our system. The idea might be good, but the attitude is such that even though it has gone through the proper process, just because the suggestion didn't come from 'us', we don't support it.
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'Even if it isn't completely discarded, it's shelved while other things are pursued, although the government has already spent money,' he said.
He also said the attitude that undermines efforts under the plan is another thing that should be eradicated.
'In meetings, there is often unanimous agreement, with everyone expressing approval when a policy decision is reached.
'However, when it's time to implement it, various conflicting opinions arise.
"People start saying it can't be done in this way or that way, despite the initial consensus that it should proceed,' he said.
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He added that this would hamper progress and result in failure to achieve the goals that have been set.
He also pointed out the mismatch between plans and implementation, noting that often the projects implemented do not align with the strategic shifts and plans laid out.
'Under 13MP, all the proposed initiatives are commendable, but when it comes to the plans put forward to translate the annual allocations, they often have no connection to the Plan or the strategic shifts intended.
'Therefore, after five years of the plan, regardless of where we go or what happens, I don't know – the projects involve significant spending but do not translate into the necessary changes,' he said.
On July 31, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim tabled the five-year 13MP, which covers the period from 2026 to 2030 and provides a strategic framework for Malaysia's economic, social and environmental priorities.
He stated that a total of RM611bil would be required to ensure the success of 13MP, covering the whole nation.