Perikatan: Where is the focus on less developed states?

The Star

3 days ago

PETALING JAYA: Perikatan Nasional has criticised the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) for lacking the structural strength and fiscal commitment needed to bridge regional and socio-economic gaps, particularly in the six less-developed states.
Perikatan's economic portfolio head Mohd Syahir Che Sulaiman said the government had failed to outline specific development expenditure targets for Sabah, Sarawak, Kelantan, Terengganu, Kedah and Perlis.
'From a regional development perspective, the 13MP shows a general commitment to balanced development between states.
'However, unlike the 12MP, which clearly committed 50% of development expenditure to the six less-developed states, the 13MP does not specify any fiscal distribution formula or quantitative targets for these states,' said the Bachok MP following the tabling of the 13MP yesterday.
'It is concerning that the 13MP appears to make no mention of federal-state fiscal reforms, revenue sharing (including tax and mineral revenues such as petroleum), or efforts to develop a more mature and equitable federalism.'
Mohd Syahir also questioned the plan's inclusivity, saying its lack of emphasis on economic ownership among the rakyat, particularly the bumiputra community, rural groups and informal workers, risks making it a growth model exclusive to capital owners.
'This contrasts with the Shared Prosperity Vision 2030, which was grounded in the principle of 'leaving no one behind' and explicitly championed bumiputra economic empowerment and more equitable wealth distribution,' he said.
While the 13MP acknowledges challenges such as income inequality, low wages and dependence on foreign direct investment, Mohd Syahir said it falls short on bold reforms, including strategies to address the ageing population and long-term productivity issues.
'What are the 13MP's long-term strategies to boost productivity, provide support networks for the elderly, and formulate progressive and sustainable labour policies?' he said.
Mohd Syahir said Perikatan MPs would play their role as a responsible Opposition by scrutinising each pillar of the plan, demanding transparency in fiscal allocations, and championing the rights of states that have long been sidelined in the national development process.
Meanwhile, former economy minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli claimed that nearly 95% of the 13MP was developed during his time in office.
He expressed satisfaction that key reforms proposed under his leadership were preserved in the final document, including major shifts in the education system, economic structure and a focus on new areas such as the ageing nation agenda and the development of the third sector.
Rafizi, who resigned from the Cabinet on May 28, also noted that major economic initiatives introduced or proposed during his tenure, such as the National Energy Transition Roadmap, KL20, Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone, 'Made by Malaysia' branding, the shift towards a 'consumption powerhouse' economy, carbon capture and storage, and the proposed Special Tourism Investment Zone, had all been retained.
Even proposals that faced resistance, such as the anti-red tape act and a law to ban the 'Ali Baba' business practice, are now part of the 13MP, he added.
He extended his appreciation to the officers of the Economy Ministry, praising their dedication over 20 months despite mounting pressure amid speculation of a Cabinet reshuffle.
'Thankfully, that turned out to be just political noise. This means the ministry's leadership succeeded in ensuring that long-term national planning was not disrupted by political turbulence,' said Rafizi.