KUALA LUMPUR: Pakatan Harapan will chart its own policy direction by focusing on development that is inclusive and equitable towards the goal of a united Bangsa Malaysia, says Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
Tabling the mid-term review of the 11th Malaysia Plan in the Dewan Rakyat, the Prime Minister said the government did not view development merely by Malaysia’s gross domestic product (GDP) growth.
He said the government wanted to increase the people’s spending power and ensure shared prosperity for all Malaysians.
“This means there must not be a wide income gap between the poor and rich or between races.
“What I am tabling is for all the rakyat from Perlis to Sabah. It is for Malays, Chinese, Indians, Iban, Kadazan, Murut, orang asli and all other ethnic groups seeking shelter under the Malaysian sky,” he said.
The 11th Malaysia Plan is a five-year development plan for the country from 2016 to 2020.
The mid-term review reports on progress achieved in 2016 and 2017, and outlines the strategies from 2018 to 2020.
Describing the review as a comprehensive effort to reform the country, Dr Mahathir said no group should feel sidelined from mainstream development.
“True development must contribute towards the development of Bangsa Malaysia,” he said, referring to the concept which he first introduced in 1991 when presenting Vision 2020.
“We want a united Malaysia. We want Malaysians to succeed and enjoy the nation’s wealth,” he said as Pakatan lawmakers thumped their tables in support.
He added that the report represented the first policy document of the Pakatan Harapan government.
The review is divided into six pillars, namely:
> To reform governance towards greater transparency and enhance efficiency of public services;
> To enhance inclusive development and wellbeing of the rakyat;
> To pursue balanced regional development;
> To empower human capital;
> To enhance environmental sustainability through green growth; and
> To lay the foundation to strengthen economic growth across all sectors of the economy.
A two-term limit for the prime minister, mentris besar and chief ministers to curb possible power abuse and corruption were among the many measures which Dr Mahathir announced.
Others included more inclusive development, education, training and entrepreneurship opportunities be given to natives of Sabah and Sarawak and orang asli.
A total of 200,000 affordable homes will be built by 2020 to meet the high demand.
To narrow the urban-rural development gap, an additional 1,500km or rural roads will be built or upgraded.
Dr Mahathir said the creation of New Malaysia would take time, but expressed optimism that the country would regain its former glory.
“If all that is contained is implemented in this document, I am confident that Malaysia will roar again as an Asian tiger.
“Malaysia will turn from a nation of kleptocracy to one of a true democracy and clean government.
“Malaysians, wherever they are in the world, can introduce themselves proudly by saying: ‘I am a Malaysian’.
“This is our determination. This is our promise,” he said.
Shortly before ending his speech, Dr Mahathir reached out to the country’s youths.
He said all the government’s efforts were to ensure that they inherited a better Malaysia.
“Hold fast to religion and noble values. Reject corruption wholeheartedly. Appreciate truth, honesty and justice,” Dr Mahathir said.
At a media conference after his speech, the Prime Minister said he was confident that the government could get support from two-thirds of lawmakers in Parliament to amend the Federal Constitution in order to limit the tenure of the prime minister, mentris besar and chief ministers to two terms.
“I think we can convince some of them (from the opposition). I think it’s in their interests also,” he said.
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