Samenta urges policy continuity, bold reforms ahead of 13MP finalisation
KUALA LUMPUR: The Small and Medium Enterprises Association of Malaysia (SAMENTA) has urged the government to maintain policy continuity and commit to bold, long-term economic reforms as the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) draws closer to its finalisation.
The call was made following the resignation of Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli as Minister of Economy.
The association warned that Malaysia risks losing another economic cycle unless the reforms outlined in the draft 13MP are safeguarded and fully implemented.
In a statement today, its president, Datuk William Ng, said 13MP must be viewed as a national blueprint born out of broad consultations and urgent necessity.
"Malaysia has fallen behind Asian peers because we've failed to act boldly on the basics, namely education, productivity, and enterprise competitiveness.
"We understand the plan seeks to pivot the economy towards productivity, private sector investment, and behavioural change. But we must also agree that no plan will succeed if we do not address the underlying issues that continue to hold Malaysia back," he said.
The association emphasised the need for the incoming leadership at the Ministry of Economy to preserve the core strategic thrusts of 13MP, including its focus on policy sequencing, behavioural incentives, and place-based development.
The government must also ensure execution readiness by aligning ministries, agencies, and budget priorities around outcomes, not merely activities.
"The 13MP may very well be our last real chance to become a truly high-income, innovation-driven economy. We cannot afford to keep revisiting the same challenges every five years," Ng said.
-- BERNAMA
TAGS: SAMENTA, 13th Malaysia Plan, William Ng, economy
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