The Midterm Review of the 11th Malaysia Plan (RMK11) is the first time transparency had been prioritised by a sitting administration, says a senior public servant today.
Last October, Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad announced that Pakatan Harapan has recalibrated the existing plan which was crafted by the previous BN government.
Commenting on the review process today, Economic Affairs Ministry deputy director-general Zakiah Jaafar (photo, above) lauded the Harapan government for prioritising transparency.
“I just want to mention that for the first time ever, (there is a) focus on reforming governance towards greater transparency and enhancing the efficiency of the public service.
“For those of you who are unlucky enough to read all previous (Malaysia) plans, this element is usually at the end of our policy documents.
“Not this time around. We have to put this first to ensure that we address the trust deficit in this country. We don’t just have a fiscal deficit, we also have a trust deficit towards the (government) institutions,” she said at the inaugural Malaysian Economic Symposium held at Parliament.
Short term pain, long term benefit
Elaborating on the recalibrated plan as a whole, Zakiah agreed that financial and governance reforms must be expedited even at some immediate economic cost.
“We recognise that they (the reforms) may have an impact on the economy but the effects are expected to be temporary and short term.
“They are a necessary trade-off to steer the economy on a sustainable path to ensure more meaningful growth.
“So, please bear with us while we get our house in order,” she added.
The RMK11 was designed to guide the nation’s development from 2016 to 2020.
Harapan’s midterm review also revised economic growth from 5-6 percent to 4.5-5.5 percent, mulled incentives for developers who provide affordable housing, and slashed both operating and development expenditure.
The plan also promised to limit the prime minister to a maximum of two terms, introduce legislation on political financing, and formulate laws to provide tougher action on public officials who commit wrongdoing.
Today’s symposium was organised by the Backbenchers’ Council, the Parliament Caucus on Reform and Governance as well as Dewan Rakyat speaker Mohamad Ariff Md Yusof.
Among those attending the symposium entitled “Malaysian Economy: Present and Future”, included Harapan and opposition MPs, business leaders and foreign dignitaries. - Mkini
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