KUALA LUMPUR, September 7 — Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli has announced an ambitious plan for Malaysia’s economic future with the introduction of the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK-13). Breaking away from conventional five-year strategies, Rafizi described RMK-13 as a “blank canvas,” aiming to chart Malaysia’s path to 2040. The minister emphasized that long-term, sustainable growth must replace short-term economic policies, positioning Malaysia as a key player in the rapidly expanding Southeast Asian market, projected to become the 4th largest economy globally.
During the RMK-13 kick-off conference at Movenpick Hotel KLIA, Rafizi stressed the importance of making Malaysia a “consumption powerhouse” driven by its 40 million citizens, with diversification and strategic planning playing key roles in the nation’s future trajectory. He also highlighted the region’s demographic and geographic advantages as critical factors in Malaysia’s economic strategy.
Public involvement will be at the heart of RMK-13 through the “Madani Mendengar” initiative, a series of consultations that will gather feedback from citizens across all 13 states. Rafizi urged Malaysians from all walks of life to contribute their ideas, recognizing the need for balancing priorities to achieve a collective national vision.
