13MP Implementation Sets Malaysia’s Economic Direction, Benefits The Rakyat -- Akmal Nasrullah

PUTRAJAYA, Jan 8 (Bernama) -- The year 2026 will mark the start of the implementation of the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), focusing on translating policies into concrete actions to ensure the people receive the benefits, said Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Nasir.

He said this is in line with the MADANI government’s view, which remains fully committed to ensuring that every strategy under the 13MP is not just on paper, but instead implemented in an organised, transparent and high-impact manner.

He said the 13MP belongs to all Malaysians and requires the involvement of all parties, including ministries and the entire government machinery.

“We want this implementation to become a shared key performance indicator (KPI), including for the secretaries-general, deputies, heads of departments and agencies, and even a KPI for me and the Deputy Minister (Datuk Mohd Shahar Abdullah).

“I hope that this year, we will continue to bring meaningful changes in our efforts to reshape development in line with the 13MP framework,” he said during the Economy Minister's Mandate 2026 event here today.

Akmal Nasrullah said the implementation phase of the 13MP will determine the direction of the country's economy as it faces an increasingly challenging global landscape, while strengthening efforts to escape the middle-income trap by developing a more productive and competitive knowledge-based economy.

In line with these priorities, he said three main principles would form the basis for implementing policies and planning at the Ministry of Economy, namely correct implementation with integrity, based on sound judgment, and oriented towards value creation.

“For the first principle, we must do it correctly and earnestly, including adhering to procedures and governance, especially in matters of integrity and authority, with a focus on ensuring that its implementation truly reaches the people,” he said.

He said the second principle regarding the implementation of policies based on sound judgment or “common sense”, which is the main factor in the success of any public policy.

“A good policy is not only ‘legally right’, but also morally right. This is the people’s benchmark, whether the policies we implement are rooted in reality or are just ‘fantasies’ and baseless,” he said.

As for the third principle, he said an organisational culture that emphasises value creation needs to be implemented comprehensively for mutual benefit.

Besides, Akmal Nasrullah said that, to ensure the 13MP is implemented accordingly, aspects of coordination, monitoring and transparent progress reporting must be given priority, including prompt corrective action when required.

He said the monitoring of the 13MP’s progress would be strengthened through the five-year Malaysia plan monitoring framework, including the role of existing committees as well as the digitalisation of the policy implementation plan through the MyRMK System, which includes KPIs and a list of implementing agencies.

Commenting on the country’s economic performance, he said Malaysia recorded encouraging growth in 2025, with gross domestic product (GDP) rising by 5.2 per cent in the third quarter, while the average growth for the first nine months reached 4.7 per cent.

He said the performance was supported by a current account surplus of RM12.2 billion, a low inflation rate and a labour market that achieved full employment, with the unemployment rate stable at three per cent.

“Hence, our commitment is to ensure that the country's economic growth remains strong in line with the projected real GDP growth of around 4.0 per cent to 4.5 per cent for 2026,” he said.

Akmal Nasrullah said efforts to attract investments remain a priority with the Economic Corridor Authority realising investments totalling RM64.7 billion in 2025, an increase of 56 per cent compared to the previous year, thus generating more than 14,000 new job opportunities.

Meanwhile, he said preparations for the 2026 Malaysia Economic Forum (FEM), themed “Accelerating Growth, Advancing Malaysia,” on Feb 5, 2026, are progressing well and are expected to be officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. 

He said the ministry is also planning several major initiatives this year, including the KL20 Conference, the National Ageing Blueprint and White Paper, the organisation of Junior Innovathon and Innovathon, the implementation of the Bumiputera Economic Transformation Communication Plan 2035 (PuTERA35), the development of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone Master Plan and the organisation of the APEC Oil and Gas Security Exercise 2026. 

-- BERNAMA