Rafizi delighted 95pct of his work in final 13MP document retained
Published: Jul 31, 2025 4:03 PM
Updated: 8:05 PM
Summary
- Rafizi says he is delighted 95 percent of his work for the 13MP were retained in the final document.
- Former economy minister thanks ministry staff for toiling over the plan for more than 20 months.
Former economy minister Rafizi Ramli has expressed delight that almost all of his work for the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) were retained in the final document, which was tabled in Parliament today.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim tabled the plan.
“I haven’t yet had the opportunity to examine every word on each page of the 13MP document presented today.
“However, based on the executive summary I’ve read thus far, I’m delighted that nearly 95 percent of what was developed throughout the process leading up to my resignation remains in 13MP,” he said.
The Pandan MP said that all the major reforms involving changes to the education system, economic structure, and focus on new matters such as the ageing nation agenda and developing the third sector, were retained as is.
He said that, additionally, several economic engineering plans that were initiated previously, and those that have been developed but not yet announced, such as the Special Tourism Investment Zone, were retained as well.
“Likewise, several outcomes of our work at the Economy Ministry that faced considerable opposition previously, including the implementation of the ‘Anti-Red Tape Act’ (Iltizam) and the Act prohibiting ‘Ali Baba’ practices, have all been retained.”
The Iltizam Act is aimed at reducing government bureaucracy and increasing public service efficiency.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim tabled the plan.
“I haven’t yet had the opportunity to examine every word on each page of the 13MP document presented today.
“However, based on the executive summary I’ve read thus far, I’m delighted that nearly 95 percent of what was developed throughout the process leading up to my resignation remains in 13MP,” he said.
The Pandan MP said that all the major reforms involving changes to the education system, economic structure, and focus on new matters such as the ageing nation agenda and developing the third sector, were retained as is.
He said that, additionally, several economic engineering plans that were initiated previously, and those that have been developed but not yet announced, such as the Special Tourism Investment Zone, were retained as well.
“Likewise, several outcomes of our work at the Economy Ministry that faced considerable opposition previously, including the implementation of the ‘Anti-Red Tape Act’ (Iltizam) and the Act prohibiting ‘Ali Baba’ practices, have all been retained.”
The Iltizam Act is aimed at reducing government bureaucracy and increasing public service efficiency.
“God willing, I shall review them one by one over the coming week. Allow me to examine each page first.
“I’m expected to debate the 13MP next Monday or Tuesday, followed by next week’s YBM (Yang Berhenti Menteri) podcast, where I’ll join Muhammed Khalid to analyse the 13MP in greater depth,” he said, referring to renowned economist, Muhammed Abdul Khalid.
Staff gratitude
Rafizi also extended his gratitude to the ministry’s staff and leadership line-up for toiling hard to prepare the document, over a period of 20 months.
“Their task was made more challenging by last-minute rumours of overhauls that needed to be made.
“Praise be to God, those rumours ultimately proved to be merely political reactions, meaning the economy ministry leadership succeeded in ensuring that the nation’s long-term planning wouldn't be muddled with political turmoil.
“One task completed, we all have a new responsibility, ensuring this planning is implemented efficiently, whoever forms the government,” he added.
Cabinet resignation
Rafizi resigned from his cabinet post after losing the PKR deputy presidency race to Nurul Izzah Anwar.
Finance Minister II Amir Hamzah Azizan was then appointed to carry out the duties and functions of the economy minister on June 27, following cabinet approval on June 25.
Second Finance Minister Amir Hamzah Azizan
Chief Secretary to the Government, Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar announced that Amir has been tasked with “reviewing and revamping” the 13MP, while carrying out the duties and functions of the economy minister with immediate effect.
This courted Rafizi’s ire, who then questioned whether the government’s move to revise the 13MP was a hasty reaction to social media criticism directed at Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil.
He was believed to be referring to reactions from netizens over an X post featuring a clip of Fahmi asserting that the 13MP is a “team effort” and not the product of any one individual or ministry.
Fahmi, who is also the PKR information chief, had courted backlash over his remark, with several users highlighting that while the plan does indeed involve various other ministries, the Economy Ministry under Rafizi’s leadership had pioneered the drafting of the document.
Chief Secretary to the Government, Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar announced that Amir has been tasked with “reviewing and revamping” the 13MP, while carrying out the duties and functions of the economy minister with immediate effect.
This courted Rafizi’s ire, who then questioned whether the government’s move to revise the 13MP was a hasty reaction to social media criticism directed at Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil.
He was believed to be referring to reactions from netizens over an X post featuring a clip of Fahmi asserting that the 13MP is a “team effort” and not the product of any one individual or ministry.
Fahmi, who is also the PKR information chief, had courted backlash over his remark, with several users highlighting that while the plan does indeed involve various other ministries, the Economy Ministry under Rafizi’s leadership had pioneered the drafting of the document.
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