The federal government will spend 200 billion over the next five years to prepare the country to face the challenges of global competition.

Faced with the rise of China and India, as well as the opening up of local markets through free trade agreements, the government aims to build competitiveness in key sectors: manufacturing, agriculture, information and communication technologies, biotechnologies, science and innovation, financial services and tourism.

Themed 'Together towards excellence, glory and distinction', the 9th Malaysia Plan will pursue "economic growth, competitiveness and dynamism" with "equal opportunity, social equality and inclusion".

"All Malaysians have a stake in the national building process - the private sector as the engine of growth, the public sector as facilitator and regulator, and civil society and others as partners in development."

"The quest to attain developed nation status can only be realised through the sustained commitment and contribution of each and every citizen."

Five thrusts

The Plan is divided into five thrusts:

  • To move the economy up the value chain

  • To raise the capacity for knowledge and innovation and nurture 'first-class mentality"

  • To address persistent socio-economic inequalities constructively and productively

  • To improve the country's standards and sustainability of quality of life

  • To strengthen the institutional and implementation capacity

    • In terms of development expenditure, 44.9 percent will be spent on economic projects, 37.5 percent on social projects, with the remainder going to security and general administration.

    The top five sectors are: RM41.1 billion (20.6 percent) for education and training, RM31.8 billion (15.9 percent) for transport, RM21.8 billion (10.9 percent) for energy and public utilities, RM19.8 billion (10 percent) for commerce and industry and 15.2 billion (7.6 percent) for defence. [See table]

    In terms of ministries, the Prime Minister's Department will control RM26.5 billion, followed by Ministry of Works (18.6 billion), Ministry of Education (16.9 billion), Ministry of Higher Education (RM16.0 billion) and Ministry of Defence (RM14.5 billion). [See table]

    Development expenditure continues to be focused in Klang Valley with Selangor and Kuala Lumpur receiving RM46.5 billion, followed by Sabah (RM15.6 billion) and Sarawak (RM13.4 billion) and Johor (RM10.2 billion). [See table]

    In addition to the RM200 billion which the government will be spending for 9MP, there is another RM20 billion allocation through private financing intiatives.

    Send your comments on the 9MP to us at voxpopuli@malaysiakini.com . Your email may be published in Malaysiakini. Please keep your comments brief and do let us know if you wish to remain anonymous.