The Eleventh Malaysia Plan, 2016-2020, marks a momentous milestone in our nation’s history. With 2020 now just five years away, the Eleventh Plan is the next critical step in our journey to become an advanced nation that is inclusive and sustainable.

In the last five years, although Malaysia encountered headwinds from a global economic slowdown, our economy has done extremely well with GDP growth among the fastest in the region. The quality of life of the rakyat has also improved as reflected by the increase in both per capita income and the average household income. This was made possible by the numerous reforms that were put in place by the Government to improve the quality of life of the people. Key among them were the Government Transformation Programme and the Economic Transformation Programme, underpinned by the Tenth Malaysia Plan.

Moving forward, we have to be cognisant that the global landscape is going to be increasingly challenging. We foresee greater volatility and uncertainty in the global economy as a result of the decline in oil prices, realignment of exchange rates, as well as geopolitical risks. In order to sustain our growth momentum and ensure that the rakyat continue to prosper, we need to forge ahead with greater resolve and introduce bold measures for the long-term benefit of all Malaysians.

The Eleventh Plan will be premised on the Malaysian National Development Strategy that will focus on rapidly delivering high impact outcomes to both the capital economy and people economy at affordable cost. The Eleventh Malaysia Plan will disproportionately focus on the people – the rakyat will be the centre piece of all development efforts.

Productivity and innovation will be important pillars of the Eleventh Plan. Although in previous 5-year plans, productivity and innovation have been alluded to, we have not fully realised the intended results. The Eleventh Plan will make the difference – it contains specific strategies and programmes bounded on outcomes to unlock productivity and transform innovation to wealth. Spurring productivity and innovation will provide the basis for sustained economic growth, create new economic opportunities and ensure continued wellbeing and prosperity of the rakyat.