‘No more political intervention in rural devt’
KUALA LUMPUR: In efforts to ensure every group in the community enjoys the benefit of development, the Pakatan Harapan ( PH) government, through the Rural Development Ministry (KPLB) has outlined various plans to to bring transformation to the people in the rural areas.
They include the ‘ Rural Development Plan of Hope’ which is KPLB’s plan that encompasses short and medium term plans for the next five years. It will be part of the strategic plan and direction for the ministry, as well as departments and agencies under its jurisdiction.
In an exclusive interview with Bernama recently, Rural Development Minister Datuk Seri Rina Mohd Harun, 45, commented on her appointment and also her focus in helming the ministry.
Following is the transcript on excerpts of the interview by Bernama with Rina: KPLB is a ministry with a broad portfolio, what is Datuk Seri’s main focus for now? RINA: Rural development is the government’s focus in ensuring the country’s economic development can be enjoyed inclusively by the people from all walks of life. Therefore, the government has drawn up various plans through KPLB to further develop the rural areas.
We aim to make the rural areas conducive to live in with various accessibility and facilities, like those enjoyed by residents in urban areas. The progress we are talking about goes beyond providing basic infrastructure, encompassing generating high income through private engagement, sustainable economic activity, entrepreneurship and creating employment opportunities.
Yet, at the same time, the noble aspirations of the rural community, such as strong religious belief and rich in culture will be maintained. 2. What are the key challenges that Datuk Seri expects the ministry to face in pursuing its mission and vision as a ministry that is responsible for developing and empowering the life of the rural community? RINA: Among the main challenges and constraints facing the ministry is in terms of economy, entrepreneurship and marketing of agricultural product by the rural community. Therefore, when talking about rural development, industrialisation is seen as the solution in addressing problems on poverty and backwardness.
Development of rural industrial is based on features that are suitable with the environment and is more geared towards generating human capital, using new technology and meets long-term plans. The public and private agencies actually have important role in strengthening rural management. If these potential villages are not developed, the rural area will not have economic value that can generate revenue and income; in fact will be a liability to the country.
Hence, the ministry is drawing up an initiative that can contribute to the sustainability of villages and improve the physical, social and economy of villages, as well as gives positive impact to rural residents. 3. What improvements do you intend to carry out at the ministry, which has all this while been helmed by a minister from other parties with different policies and approaches? RINA: We don’t always get what we want or hope for. When I started work, I accepted it with an open heart to whatever advantages and weaknesses in KPLB. For example, there are some problems on coordination between the federal and state governments. Expenditure that is supposed to be within the budget increases, apart from overlapping of functions resulting in inefficiency in operations. There are also several cases where the state government rejects implementation of projects planned by the federal government due to conflict of interests.
In the line with the prime minister’s vision, we cannot afford such inefficiency in the ministry. Because of that, I have been to the rural areas to see for myself and assess what the people really need, and ensure the people’s mandate is carried out.
In terms of human resources, I think KPLB has many staff that are well-trained and know how to create a prosperous environment for the rural community. But the problems faced by the previous administration, is that that there were too many political intervention that the staff were not able to implement properly what they had learned and it also restricted them from showing their skills.
What I should do is to provide a healthy and ample space so that they can show their knowledge and skills. 4. Can Datuk Seri explain further the Rural Development Plan of Hope 2018-2023 being formulated by the ministry? RINA: The Rural Development ‘ Plan of Hope’ is KPLB’ s short and medium term plans for the next five years. It will be part of the strategic plan for KPLB’, and also direction for the ministry, as well as its departments and agencies.
The plan outlines six strategic thrusts as backup for aggressive implementation, covering various fields, such as infrastructure, economy, entrepreneurship, human capital, women empowerment and delivery system.
Overall, there are 29 strategies and 94 programmes that would be implemented under the six thrusts, including eight key programmes.
The plan also takes into account the proposed priority and emphasis by the PH government as outlined under the 11th Malaysia Plan midterm review . At the same time, this plan is tailored to fit with the new structure of KPLB, where several agencies, like Jakoa, Felcra and Risda are no longer under KPLB, and the addition of the Penang Regional Development Authority ( Perda) as a new agency under KPLB.
The theme ‘Prosperous Rurals’ is chosen to realise the aspiration of the rural areas as conducive for living, generate income and livelihood
This development is not focused only on infrastructure development, but also economy and human capital that will stir the growth of the rural areas through inclusive rural development that will upgrade and improve the quality of life of the rural community and fulfil their socioeconomy, physical and spiritual needs. 5. Can Datuk Seri explain the promotion for the Rural Entrepreneurial Innovation and Technology Expo (INOTEKDesa) ? RINA: In an effort to create, educate and shape new and existing rural entrepreneurs to become more creative, innovative and competitive, KPLB will hold the Rural Entrepreneurial Innovation and Technology Expo (Inotekdesa) from Nov 15 to 18 at MITC, Melaka, involving the participation of 407 entrepreneurs from various business clusters.
This inaugural programme is aimed at exposing rural entrepreneurs to the latest technology and innovation to help them boost their production.
It will also serves as a platform for rural entrepreneurs to look closely at the latest range of equipment and machine to increase their production , as well as improve the quality of their products and services.
The expo also provides opportunities for entrepreneurs to promote their products.
Among the contents of the INOTEKDesa programme are ‘pocket talks’ and ‘ business matching’ for participants to deal direct with providers and suppliers of the equipment and machinery, as well as to expand their respective businesses.
During the four-day programme, they will also be booths providing information on financing, training and workshop for rural entrepreneurs. – Bernama