Rafizi contradicts claim that 13MP refers to a series of projects, asserting it has a different significance.
The 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) has been met with criticism, with many viewing it as a continuation of past policies rather than a transformative new approach. Observers point out that the 13MP builds on the framework of earlier plans like the 12th Malaysia Plan, but faces recurring challenges such as bureaucratic inertia, siloed ministries, and lack of clear accountability for outcomes.
The 13MP, which is a policy document outlining infrastructure and development projects for the next five years, aims to boost domestic demand and economic growth. However, concerns have been raised about its fiscal strategies, as fiscal deficits remained higher than targeted during the 12MP period, and federal debt is projected to continue rising past RM1.7 trillion by 2030.
One of the specific proposals in the 13MP is to start formal education at age six and finish Form Five by age 16. This approach allows young people to join the workforce at 16, and they can even complete their degree a year earlier. However, some view these changes as extensions of existing policy directions rather than novel shifts.
Rafizi, a Bersatu Supreme Council member, defended these proposals, stating that the 13MP is not just a list of projects. He also noted that such a shift is necessary as Malaysia transitions into an ageing nation. However, he acknowledged that the change in the government's approach towards the 13MP has led some to feel there is little new in the plan.
Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal, MP for Machang, echoed these sentiments, expressing that the plan lacks the "wow factor" and feels like a continuation of previous policies. Last week, former DAP assemblyman P Ramasamy stated that the 13MP mirrors the five-year plans introduced in the past.
In summary, the criticism is centered on the 13MP’s perceived lack of innovation and structural reform, with concerns that it mostly perpetuates previous approaches without effectively addressing entrenched governance and implementation issues that have limited the impact of earlier plans. The Bersatu Supreme Council member described the 13MP as "business as usual."
- The government of Malaysia's 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) has been criticized for being a continuation of past policies, with some viewing it as lacking a transformative new approach.
- The 13MP is a policy document that outlines infrastructure and development projects for the next five years, with a focus on boosting business and economy through domestic demand and growth, but faces criticism over its fiscal strategies and potential continuation of recurring challenges.
- One of the specific proposals in the 13MP is to change the education system by starting formal education at age six and finishing Form Five by age 16, a shift some view as an extension of existing policy directions rather than a novel change.
- The 13MP, described as "business as usual" by Bersatu Supreme Council member Rafizi, has been criticized for lacking innovation and structural reform, with concerns about its inability to effectively address entrenched governance and implementation issues that have limited the impact of earlier plans.
