A strong cohesion is needed among the various ministries, the civil service all stakeholders to ensure quicker economic recovery in Malaysia.
Economic Affairs Minister Rafizi Ramli, at his inaugural press conference on Monday, said he was happy to see that the plans for the nation’s economic recovery — at a macro level — is well under way and the various ministries are now evaluating the best course forward, although the task seems daunting.
He told the media, after clocking in at the Economic Planning Unit today, that work began last night at an OPEC ministerial meeting to set the production quota.
“The Economic Planning Unit has presented an overall plan on the economy and there is a strong correlation between what he felt as an outsider and the realities in government on where the focus must lie in terms of the particular industries to move Malaysia towards being a developed nation and to get the nation out of the middle-income trap.
“There is a strong focus on the most vulnerable groups in society especially in less endowed states where people encounter low economic growth, and greater poverty, again the government will work towards uplifting all those affected based on the 12th Malaysia Plan (RMK-12),” the minister said.
“It is still too early to talk about any policy now. This is just my first hour (as a minister). Let us first examine all aspects related to leadership, ministries, before it is decided at the Cabinet level. We have just done research (on Development Expenditure) at the macro level, so it is too early to talk in detail.
Looking forward, Rafizi, who is also Pandan MP, said there is a strong focus on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), technology and knowledge economic sectors.
Rafizi added looking at what the plan is, he has the comfort that the civil servants are trying their best to work towards the key focus areas but “what needs to be emphasised, at this time, is having a strong cohesive action and monitoring from the top leadership, down to the lower levels, to ensure that whatever is planned can be implemented properly and reached those in need.”
“The message needs to be delivered effectively, to ensure that all parties are on the right track.
“Then, we will achieve the momentum needed to rebuild the country’s economy. Because, right now there is too much ‘politicking’,” he said, adding, he also sees good continuity in terms of focus on related industries, or economic activities that can propel the country to high-income status.
Asked on whether he will make significant changes to RMK12 presented by the previous government, Rafizi said, it is still too early to comment on the matter.” It is still too early to talk about any policy now. This is just my first hour (as a minister). Let us first examine all aspects related to leadership, ministries, before it is decided at the Cabinet level.
“We have just done research (on Development Expenditure) at the macro level, so it is too early to talk in detail.
Asked on Budget 2023, he said the government will present the emoluments as presented on budget earlier in the next (Parliament) session and the full budget for 2023 will be tabled within a month to two.”
Asked on the position of the Ministry of Finance, he said the “extraordinary” political climate in the country has made it necessary for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to take up the finance portfolio, he said.
The move was not to dissatisfy any component parties within the unity government. No party had the majority to form the government but, at the same time, we needed a strong leadership for the economy, he said, adding, “we also know that every component party in the unity government wanted the finance minister’s post, so it makes sense for now for the prime minister to take on the role to avoid conflict.”
To a question on whether the minister would go after the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief Tan Sri Azam Baki, Rafizi denied that he had threatened the anti-graft agency’s chief commissioner and said his statement was instead a pledge to make all enforcement agencies independent.
He said: “I don’t think that’s exactly what I said, it makes for a good political sound bite but what I meant was that should a new government take over, and we have, the priority is to make everything independent and by the law, and not just Azam Baki or anyone else or even myself.”
