A defining national plan

12Mp to focus on getting economy back on track amid pandemic

PETALING JAYA: The 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) to be unveiled in Parliament today will be a defining national development plan as it will seek to ride the country out of the Covid-19 pandemic and get the economy back on track.

The 12MP will also be a big test for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob in terms of getting support to drive his vision, say analysts.

He is expected to table the fiveyear (2021-2025) development roadmap right after Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat.

Prof Dr Awang Azman Awang Pawi of Universiti Malaya said the 12MP was expected to give more focus on the needs of the bottom 40% (B40) group, with this to form the country’s narrative over the next five years and beyond.

He said because of the unprecedented pandemic situation, it was important that the government provide a holistic solution to ensure economic growth.

“Since the Covid-19 situation is expected to persist, issues should be addressed with emphasis on social welfare and protection for workers and the people.

“It can provide support to help improve productivity levels for people to feel safer amid the ongoing Covid-19 crisis,” Prof Awang added.

International Islamic University Malaysia legal adviser Prof Dr Nik Ahmad Kamal Nik Mahmood noted that it was important for all parties across the political spectrum to play their roles to ensure the success of the 12MP.

“The 12MP is a continuation of all previous plans and it was crafted based on them. This time, perhaps it might be slightly different due to the signing of the MOU between the government and the Opposition.

“The government needs to coordinate all its plans to ensure what are listed are doable and achievable. They must also ensure past mistakes not be repeated in order for the economy to improve,” he said.

The Prime Minister, he said, also must have capability to show that the government was competent in administering the plan.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed had said that under the 12MP, key issues to be addressed over the next five years would include bridging the development gap between states and areas in the country.

He said the government would also focus on addressing the income gap between the B40, M40 (middle 40%) and T20 (top 20%) groups.

The tabling of the 12MP was postponed on at least two occasions from the original Aug 6 date last year due to the pandemic and the change in the national political landscape.

“The government needs to coordinate all its plans to ensure what are listed are something doable and achievable.” prof dr nik ahmad Kamal nik Mahmood