PAKATAN Harapan hopes to overhaul the economy and strengthen good governance policies so that the country can rise as a regional powerhouse, said Dr Mahathir Mohamad in unveiling the Mid-Term Review of the 11th Malaysia Plan.  

From improving governance and strengthening key institutions, to promoting a more inclusive and balanced development, Dr Mahathir said the economic plan was drafted to return a sense of pride and dignity to the people of Malaysia.

“If everything that is contained in this document is realised, I am confident Malaysia will roar again as the Tiger of Asia.

“Malaysia’s image will change from a kleptocratic country to become a true democracy with a government that is clean, righteous and with integrity.

“The people of Malaysia anywhere in the far corners of the world will be able to introduce themselves proudly as ‘I am Malaysian’,” he said.

Dr Mahathir, who turned 93 this year, said the review was for the future generation.

“Many in my generation are already gone. Who can we leave this nation to other than the younger generation?

“I call on younger Malaysians to learn all the knowledge you can to make Malaysia great again.

“Get all the skills needed and strengthen yourselves. Hold strong to your religions and values and reject corruption wholeheartedly. Uphold truth and justice and let us work together for a brighter future,” he said.

Six pillars

The economic plan, which will be valid until 2020, contains six new areas of focus, which include measures to “improve checks and balances at all levels”, including separating the role of the Attorney-General and the Public Prosecutor’s office, said Dr Mahathir.

Other key strategies to strengthen governance and eradicate corruption will be to empower Parliament by reintroducing the Parliamentary Service Act that was repealed in 1992.

The law is aimed at instituting a select committee system and making agencies such as the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and Election Commission answerable to Parliament.

The section on governance also aims to return more power to the states in terms of public transport, social services and agricultural development.  

“The third strategy to overhauling the public service is to improve the budgeting system of the administration with the introduction of the accrual accounting system. The government procurement system also needs to be improved,” said Dr Mahathir.

Dr Mahathir said steps will also be taken to improve the purchasing power of Malaysians.

“To improve household income, our productivity must also improve. To achieve this, more training will be provided and the government will encourage more automation in the manufacturing sector.”

He said to ensure development is more inclusive, the social safety net will need to be strengthened so that it’s more “targeted”.

“More job opportunities and skill and entrepreneur training schemes will also be given to minority groups in Sabah and Sarawak and the lower income Indians and Chinese to eradicate poverty,” said Dr Mahathir.

To ensure rural Malaysians are not left behind, the government will build and improve 1,500km of trunk roads, provide treated water to 60,000 households and electricity to another 41,160 households.

The government also promised to reform the labour market to provide more skilled jobs with higher wages.

Parliament will begin a two-week debate on the Mid-Term Review next Monday. – October 18, 2018.