The Malaysian Economic Slip-Up
By Thuraisingham Shun
The recent Economic Transformation Programme has created much confusion about our country’s direction in achieving economic goals.
First, we had the outdated Vision 2020 programme, followed by the 1st Malaysian Concept, then the New Economic Model, now the Economic Transformation Programme and next the 10th Malaysian Plan. This is “economic ROJAK”. All these confuse the citizens as to where the Government is heading. It is time that our Prime Minister unveils a constructive consolidated economic outline.
The set draft plan should include detailed implementable strategies, to be reviewed every six months, to ensure proper implementation targets are achieved. Negated implementation should be revised immediately.
“The Economic Transformation agenda is co-created by the private sector” said Dato’ Idris Jala. This is not true – the introduction of this New Economic trust, was unveiled by the Minister, then it was the CEO Forum which dwelt on the presence of their role play. The public was not given a chance to air their views. The whole scenario was a pyramid system with a top to bottom thrust. The grassroots who form the base for the pyramid system did not have the opportunity, they were not provided the chance to express their views.
Any success of the New Economic outlined by or Prime Minister, must be reflected by a Public Sector Initiative. The middle income trap is a true reflection of the Malaysian scenario. The middle income group is sinking into the lower income group base.
In the forum themed “Economic Transformation Forum: The View from the Public Sector”, there was no opportunity for the private sector to express their views. Likewise, immediate response for audience with the Minister from the representatives from the Cooperative sector, which represents 8000 cooperatives with a membership of 8 million, snowballing to 17 million with family members included and with an asset backing of RM79 billion, was negated by the little napoleons (a decision made by themselves at the nick of time) as the Minister is too busy.
The Prime Minister’s emphasis of WALK THE TALK has failed. The authorities concerned must wake up. The citizens call the shots, according to the time capsule. Of late, the Prime Minister’s words of wisdom on the “Evil of ignorance” befit the economic agenda. The root cause of doubts on the economic agenda is the misunderstanding of statements and misapprehension and conflict caused by ignorance. The I know syndrome exists no more.
The Malaysian civil service has reached the state of incompetence and stagnancy. The realm of our 54th independence needs a total revamp. Our Prime Minister is well set for a change – a change for the better. His generals must be prepared for a change of mentality, the I know syndrome is outdated.
It is noted that the transformation agenda entails the Vision 2020 statement which is outdated. We have to rise above the occasion to the ideas of the 21st century agenda and globalization. It was highlighted in the Journal of International Centre for Excellence that Vision 2020 was in dire peril. Likewise, the McKenzie Report also amplified this. Vision 2020 has to end its era within 31 December 2011; the dawn of a new era has to be formulated within the realms of Malaysia. The New Economic Model and the forthcoming 10th Malaysia Plan must be consolidated for a new direction to meet the challenges of globalization and the thrust for the 21st millennium agenda.
The Malaysian Cooperative fraternity of above 8000 cooperatives with a membership of above 8 million, snowballing to 17 million with family members incorporated and the Private Sector Initiatives will be the order of the day.
Thuraisingham Shun
Cooperative Consultant and Advisor,
Co-operative Union of Malaysia and Midlands Co-operative Union of Malaysia
Portfolio Cooperative
National Malaysian Chamber of Malaysia
