Don't 'run in place', focus on poorer states, Perikatan tells PM
The Opposition coalition expressed concerns that, unlike the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP), the 13MP does not commit development expenditure to the six less-developed states: Sabah, Sarawak, Kelantan, Terengganu, Kedah, and Perlis.
Perikatan's economic portfolio head, Mohd Syahir Che Sulaiman, highlighted this in a statement following the presentation of the 13MP in Parliament on Tuesday (Aug 1).
The Bachok MP noted the absence of a narrative in "increasing rakyat ownership" in the 13MP, suggesting it appears to cater more to capital owners rather than the broader population.
"Without bold implementation, 13MP risks failing to move the country forward — leaving it merely 'running in place'," he said.
Syahir said that from a regional development perspective, 13MP shows a general commitment to balanced development between states, but it did not specify any fiscal distribution formula or quantitative targets for states such as Sabah, Sarawak, Kelantan, Terengganu, Kedah, and Perlis.
"It is more concerning that 13MP seems to have no mention of fiscal reform in federal and state relations, revenue sharing (including tax and mineral revenues such as petroleum), or efforts to strengthen a more mature and fair federalism. Yet, these are key reasons behind the growing regional development gap.
"Fair development cannot take place if states continue to be sidelined from the planning and implementation process," said Syahir.
He pointed out that while the 13MP acknowledges issues such as income inequality, low wages, and dependency on foreign direct investment (FDI), the plan lacks bold reform.
"The 13MP does not emphasise the issue of economic ownership by the people, especially for the Bumiputera community, rural populations, and informal workers," he said
He also asked what were 13MP's long-term strategies to boost productivity, provide support networks for the elderly, and formulate progressive and sustainable labour policies.
'As a responsible opposition bloc, Perikatan MPs will scrutinise each priority and pillar presented, propose improvements to implementation strategies, demand transparency in fiscal distribution, and champion the rights and voices of states that have long been sidelined in the national development process.
On July 31, Anwar tabled the five-year 13MP, covering the period from 2026 to 2030, providing a strategic framework for Malaysia's economic, social, and environmental priorities.
A total of RM611bil is required to ensure the success of 13MP, covering the whole nation, including Sabah and Sarawak.
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