Malaysia has made outstanding economic progress through the good policies and programmes of the government.

The recently launched report on the UN Millennium Development Goals bears testimony to this achievement. While noting the tremendous socio-economic progress made, we must also note the five key issues of major concern for those at the bottom end of our society.

First, while poverty has been reduced dramatically, what has increased is income differences between those on the top and at the bottom. This is indicated in the UN Human Development Report.

Poverty measurement using the current indicators will not detect the real issues on the ground; our focus must be on the bottom 30 percent of our society, comprising low-income families largely residing in urban public housing units, squatter settlements and longhouses.

We must recognise that the economic policies adopted by Malaysia, has also created displaced communities who experience marginalisation.

Second, that rapid urbanisation and modernisation has had an impact on social support and social control informal structures, weakening them and causing their breakdown. This therefore requires greater formal systems to meet this gap. Furthermore greater attention must be focused on building the family and local neighbourhood.

Third, that the bottom sections have difficulty in accessing public services due to weak delivery and implementation. Resources and facilities are especially inadequate in high density neighborhoods such as highrise flats.

Fourth, that discontentment sets in as the bottom sections struggle to attain a basic standard and quality of life in urban locations.

Fifth, that if discontentment is unchecked through targeted and effective implementation, it could result in social unrest.

New policy initiatives

It is imperative that new policies and structures must be formulated to address them through consultative and partnership approaches in five areas. These have relevance for the Ninth Malaysia Plan (2006-2010) as it is forecast that the plan will give greater focus to 'people development'.

First, that the government especially the home and internal security ministries, must ensure greater democratic space. Officials must apply great restraint in suppressing dissenting voices. Alternative views are now possible through Internet. However, the print and electronic media must be able to truly express ground concerns and issues for social change.

Second, greater emphasis must be given to improving the government's delivery systems. We have the resources, agencies, programmes and funds. However in many cases it is not reaching the target groups especially the bottom 30 percent, irrespective of race, gender and location. The prime minister (Abdullah Ahmad Badawi) has spoken much on this theme and so we must see the changes on the ground

Third, the government should establish a Social Inclusion Unit in the Prime Minister's Department or PM's office, under the Ninth Plan. This unit will review on a regular basis if effective targeting and delivery is taking place, noting the gaps and charting remedies for collaborative inter-agency and inter-sectoral intervention. The Implementation Co-ordination Unitis better known for monitoring infrastructure development and not human development issues and concerns.

Fourth, that the prime minister should appoint a review and monitoring panel of people from private sector, professional bodies, civil society to monitor the delivery and implementation of the Ninth Plan. In the formulation of the Third Outlook Perspective Plan, the government established a consultative group of 150 people representing a cross section of Malaysian society, which met almost weekly in plenary groups or in working groups to formulate policy for over a year.

In the same way a smaller group of 15-25 people could be appointed to provide for independent review. This panel should on a consistent basis note the gaps between polices, programmes and its implementation. The current methods of in-house evaluations and reviews have not been effective. We want a more efficient and effective delivery system which is pro the bottom sections of the community.

Fifth, that the government establishes a National People Development Action Council in order to mobilise the third sector. Currenty we have the National Economic Action Council which has been effective in fostering close partnership with the private sector. However, formal avenues for civil society are limited.

While many ministries have working relationships, these are not really partnerships. What is essential is the creation of new avenues and structures to support the premier's initiatives. Civil society is the untapped potential and can be a major player for 'people-centred development' as the NGOs are 'pro-people'. We need business but we need voluntary and civil society organisations brought into mainstream as important partners in human development.

In my opinion, if the government fails to take the concerns of the bottom 30 percent seriously under the Ninth Plan, it will provide fertile ground for these groups to seek assistance elsewhere.

Former deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim is a master 'people mobiliser' and civil society activist. This is the changing landscape of Malaysian politics.

Abdullah has set the right tone and instituted the right moves. The coming years, especially the period of implementation of the Ninth Plan, will see a major test of whether words materialise into real action.

Dr DENISON JAYASOORIA is executive director of MIC-linked Yayasan Strategik Sosial foundation. He presented this paper at a panel session on the 'Political Outlook for Malaysia, Post Umno/General Elections and Anwar Release' at the Malaysia Strategic Conference 2005, organised by Asian Strategic and Leadership Institute on Feb 3, 2005.