PRIME Minister Ismail Sabri unveiled the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) today. Based upon a quick review of the summary, the objective of the 12MP is to achieve a prosperous, inclusive and sustainable Malaysia in line with the Shared Prosperity Vision, or Wawasan Kemakmuran Bersama 2030 (WKB 2030), and the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development goals (SDGs). It is planned for sustainable economic growth to be accompanied by fair, equitable and inclusive economic distribution across all income groups, ethnicities, and regions in order to provide a decent standard of living for all Malaysians. In addition, 12MP encompasses strategies and initiatives that safeguard national security and sovereignty, which are vital for sustainable development.
The 12MP is anchored on three key themes focusing on resetting the economy; strengthening security, well-being and inclusivity; and advancing sustainability. These themes are supported by four catalytic policy enablers on developing future talent; accelerating technology adoption and innovation; enhancing connectivity and transport infrastructure; as well as strengthening the public service, paving the way for a prosperous, inclusive and sustainable nation.
There are 14 game-changers but I will not deal with them in detail. I will only say that the public and private sectors will be encouraged to adopt and integrate the SDGs and ESGs’ principles in their decision-making.
In line with the transformative nature of 12MP, the game-changers represent new and innovative ideas with the introduction of shifts in mindsets and will fundamentally change the approach of national development. These game-changers will ensure Malaysia attains the objectives of WKB 2030, namely sustainable growth, along with fair and equitable distribution across income groups, ethnicities, regions, and supply chains.
This is the 12th edition of Malaysia’s five-year plans. Obviously, the words used in 12MP are politically correct, sound inspiring, and are full of good intentions. However, this is the twelfth time the country is hearing plans to improve the socio-economic conditions of the people. Before we can assess whether the plans in this edition will bear fruit, we need to ask whether there is the requisite political will to carry out the plans. More importantly, is there the required shift in mindsets by the majority of the dominant ethnic group, minority groups, policy-makers and those in charge of the implementation of 12MP to make it work?
We know that a government that fails to create opportunities for all sectors of society to maximise their capabilities and fulfil their full potential is neglecting its responsibilities to the people. Members of society should not be penalised because their cultures and background are different from the dominant section of society. At the same time, all members of society, in expressing their own identity and aspirations, are expected also to do so in ways that accept the dignity and established human rights of others with different ideas and attitudes. No section of society, either the majority or minority, can expect to have licence to act in any way it likes, ignoring others and their basic rights.
The biggest question to be asked of this 12MP is whether it is in keeping with the aspirations of the people when they gave the mandate to Pakatan Harapan to implement the overdue reforms this country badly needs. We need to bear in mind that this Ismail Sabri government is the third government in less than 39 months. When this 12MP speaks about social cohesion, inclusivity and equity, does it mean inclusivity as understood by the universal declaration of human rights, of multiracialism and multiculturalism, or does it bear the meaning used by those who advocate narrow ethnic-nationalism, of giving priority and preferences to the dominant ethnic group to the exclusion of others?
Each of the three prime ministers and governments have different ideas, objectives, priorities, and voter bases to appease. Therefore, the devil is in the details and the real test lies in the political will of those implementing the programmes under the 12MP to carry out the reforms needed.
The government has spoken a lot about WKB 2030. To me, we cannot hope to share our prosperity if we cannot first learn to share our society. We cannot speak of social cohesion and inclusiveness when Malaysia’s dominant groups do not fully include others into the society, if they do not recognise the richness that differences bring to society, and when the dominant groups do not recognise that by accepting others, this will bring betterment to all. In the absence of these, we are merely paying lip service to the slogan “no one is left behind”. The reality is that after 60 years our society remains socially fragmented and social exclusion continues to prevail.
To talk about shared prosperity we must first ask: “do we have a shared society 64 years after Merdeka?” A shared society is a socially cohesive society. It is stable, safe. It is where all those living there feel at home. It respects everyone’s dignity and human rights while providing every individual with equal opportunities. It is tolerant. It respects diversity. But we have a government that decided not to ratify the ICERD.
Central to the vision of a shared society is a social equilibrium in which all members of society, while expressing their own identity and aspirations, are expected also to do so in ways that accept the dignity and rights of others with different identities. Critical also is the principle of rule of law, adhered to by leaders and all members of society. Equality and fairness are essential principles in building shared societies and they cannot exist where there is discrimination, marginalisation, and lack of opportunity for all. A shared society is constructed and nurtured through strong political leadership. But this is not what we have had for 64 years. We still have Malaysians being called “pendatang” and constantly reminded that they are second-class citizens at best. The tragedy is those who make these statements are allowed to get away with it and will appear to be allowed to repeat them with impunity.
It is meaningless to state in the 12MP about socio-economic improvements where rules and regulations prevent all of its members, regardless of race or religion, from contributing their creativity, skills, talents, and efforts. If people continue to be marginalised, then their talents will be lost to Malaysian society. Even today, we deal with the requirement of freight forwarders requiring 51% Bumiputera shareholders to be given a customs licence. Top students are denied university entry and scholarships because of their ethnicity.
When political leaders are allowed to act in ways that exploit fears and prejudices based on differences and insecurities among the constituents, deepen divisions, and deny basic principles on which shared societies are based, it is hypocritical to talk of a 12MP providing a prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable Malaysia. – The Vibes, September 27, 2021
William Leong Jee Keen is the MP for Selayang
