SEREMBAN: The 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) is not just an economic and social document but also a strategic action plan that places Malaysia in a higher position on the international stage, says Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.
The Foreign Minister said 13MP allows Malaysia to continue being the voice for global justice, a facilitator of peace and a strategic partner in a world facing various geopolitical and economic challenges.
"The 31MP is in line with Malaysia’s foreign policy, which prioritises national sovereignty, principled diplomacy and constructive engagement in the global community.
"I express my appreciation to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for the presentation of the 13MP, which outlines a comprehensive and far-sighted national development vision," he said in a statement.
Anwar had tabled the 13MP in Parliament on Thursday (July 31).
Mohamad said among the key focuses in terms of international diplomacy to be implemented in line with the 13MP was to strengthen Malaysia's role as a principled, resilient and vocal country for the developing world.
He said this will be achieved through Asean, Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec), BRICS and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
"The 13MP will help establish Malaysia as a regional hub for investment, technology and talent, including through the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone and Asean Connectivity by Rail.
"It will also help in mainstreaming economic and technological diplomacy, including in the National Semiconductor Strategy, AI and Renewable Energy agenda," he said.
Mohamad added that the 13MP will also help expand diplomatic networks to new markets such as BRICS, Africa and Central Asia and strengthen exports, investments and internationalisation of strategic sectors such as halal, franchising and the digital economy.
The plan will help modernise cross-border and immigration facilities through the upgrading of Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security Complexes and land ports in line with the principles of sovereign and efficient border diplomacy.
"It will continue to highlight Malaysia's role in humanitarian and human rights issues, through a Madani approach centred on human dignity and universal justice.
"Malaysia not only wants to be respected but also trusted in the eyes of the world as a country that upholds universal values and plays an active role towards a more peaceful, prosperous and peaceful world," he said.
