Amir given economy minister's duties, to overhaul 13th Malaysia Plan
Senator Amir Hamzah Azizan was appointed as finance minister II in December 2023. (Bernama pic)
PETALING JAYA : The Cabinet has agreed for finance minister II Amir Hamzah Azizan to take on the duties and functions of the economy portfolio, effective immediately.
In a statement, chief secretary Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar said this was decided by the Cabinet on Wednesday.
'His main duty will be to amend and overhaul the contents of the 13th Malaysia Plan, which will be tabled in Parliament on July 31, with additional information submitted by the ministries as well as the views and comments given by the Cabinet,' he said.
Amir, a senator, was appointed as finance minister II in December 2023.
The economy minister's post became vacant with the resignation of Pandan MP Rafizi Ramli, who stepped down after losing his post as PKR deputy president.
Rafizi said he had completed the 13th Malaysia Plan before his resignation, describing it as his final responsibility as economy minister.
He said the document was drafted to place greater emphasis on comprehensive reforms, including several involving the education ministry.
Following his resignation, the Small and Medium Enterprises Association of Malaysia (Samenta) urged Putrajaya to ensure continuity in economic policies and commitment to long-term reforms.
Samenta chairman William Ng said the 13th Malaysia Plan in particular must not be seen as the vision of a single minister but a national blueprint born out of broad consultations and urgent necessity.
Ng also warned that Malaysia risked missing out on yet another economic cycle if key reforms outlined in the plan were not retained and fully implemented.
In a separate statement, Amir thanked Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim for entrusting him with the responsibility of the economy ministry's duties in the interim.
He said he had received 'a lot of feedback' from his Cabinet colleagues on the 13th Malaysia Plan which necessitated an overhaul of the document.
'This is to best showcase the policies that the Madani government is prioritising while continuing the momentum of our economic reform agenda,' he said.
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