IPOH: Economic growth, investment and achievement figures are important, but the real test of any policy is whether its benefits are truly felt by the rakyat, says Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad.
“We may record good growth on paper, but if the benefits do not reach the people comprehensively, then a gap will exist between what we are proud of as a government and what the people actually experience,” he said during his speech at the opening of the Perak policy and research conference held at a hotel here Thursday (May 7).
Saarani said this was why the Perak government adopted the theme “Hasil Dirasai, Keyakinan Dibina” for the conference, which he described as a more honest and grounded approach to governance.
He said the theme emerged from constructive discussions during the state leadership retreat earlier this year and reflected the administration’s intention to measure success based on real impact rather than implementation or spending alone.
“When a parent breathes a sigh of relief because their child has secured a job, that is a result.
“When young people can see a future in Perak without having to migrate elsewhere, that is a result,”
“When small traders are no longer burdened by crippling costs, that is a result,” he said.
He added that easing the burden on small traders and improving the efficiency and friendliness of government services were also among the outcomes the state government aimed to achieve.
Saarani said public confidence could not be built merely through announcements, but through the people’s actual experiences with government policies and services.
He said the state government must move beyond relying solely on economic figures and place greater emphasis on the people’s wellbeing.
“Although Perak’s economy showed stronger growth, with the state’s GDP rising from 2.7%in 2023 to 4.4% in 2024 and its economic value reaching RM86.2bil, such achievements alone are insufficient.
“Prosperity from an administrative perspective could be measured through investments, revenue and growth, but wellbeing for the rakyat is about feeling safe, valued and not marginalized,” he said.
