KUALA LUMPUR – The substitution of the word “pembangunan” (development) with “kemajuan” (progress) in the Bahasa Malaysia name of the Rural and Regional Development Ministry gives it more significance, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
Zahid, who is also rural and regional development minister, said that although both words signified an advancement and upgrade, the meaning of “development” usually carried a wider dimension while “progress”, which is part of development, referred to going forward with a clearer objective.
“This is the desire of the government so that ‘kemajuan’ (progress) can be measured in a specific and clearer manner in rural and regional development,” he said in his latest Facebook post today.
On December 10 last year, Zahid announced that the ministry’s name in Bahasa Malaysia had been changed to Kementerian Kemajuan Desa dan Wilayah from Kementerian Pembangunan Luar Bandar previously, with its English equivalent being the Rural and Regional Development Ministry.
Zahid also said the ministry was using the SMART (Specific - Measurable - Attainable - Relevant - Time-Bound) formula in measuring progress and development.
Zahid said in the context of progress, “specific” means a clear objective to be attained while “measurable” means it can be accurately tracked by various measurements and with accountability.
“Attainable” means it can be achieved in a realistic manner and “relevant” emphasises the community and having a major social impact on the target groups.
“Time-bound” provides a time period for the objective to be achieved quickly without being hampered by challenges that arise, he said.
The deputy prime minister said through the SMART framework and formula, the ministry’s agenda could be implemented more strategically in line with the imperative concept (introduced earlier) of Desa, which involves data and digital; economy, social and character; as well as access and environment.
Zahid also suggested that the SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis be used to help organisations identify strengths, weaknesses, challenges and opportunities to produce the best results for all agencies under the ministry.
He also wants efforts on setting benchmarks for rural development to not only be focused on South Korea but to include successful practices in Japan, Taiwan, Thailand, Indonesia, Europe and others as a guide.
This was important to give a more comprehensive perspective for the country to gain the best benefits possible, he added. – Bernama, January 9, 2023
