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FINANCE Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan has emphasised the need for public servants, academics, and private sector players to align with the nation’s policy direction for 2026 to 2030.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Economic and Public Finance Week (MEKA) 2025 today, Amir described MEKA 2025 as a vital platform to deepen understanding of the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13), under a befitting theme of “Redrawing Development.”
Amir, who also serves as the acting Minister of Economy, said: “Through setting the right direction and strategies, we can achieve excellent success provided all parties join hands, work together as a unified entity, and avoid working in silos, especially in implementing cross-ministerial initiatives,”
The event, held at the National Institute of Public Administration (INTAN) Bukit Kiara drew over 700 participants, including public servants from federal, state and local authorities, as well as representatives from academia and the private sector.
Over the two-day conference, more than 15 policy experts from government, universities, industry, and civil society organisations will discuss RMK13’s key themes, including economic diversification, advancing an AI-based nation, strengthening good governance, enhancing social mobility, and improving the well-being of citizens.
Amir highlighted Malaysia’s positive socioeconomic progress despite global challenges during the first two years of the MADANI Economy initiative.
He cited the country’s GDP grew by 4.4 per cent in the first half of 2025, with an average annual growth forecast of 5.0 per cent from 2021 to 2025 with trade volume reaching RM1.46 trillion, with a current account surplus of RM17 billion.
Inflation moderated to 1.3 per cent in August 2025, while unemployment declined to 3.0 per cent, maintaining near full employment.
The average household income rose to RM9,155 per month in 2024 from RM7,901 in 2019.
“These achievements provide a strong foundation for Budget 2026, to be presented on 10 October 2025, which will be the first budget supporting RMK13’s implementation,” Amir said.
The Minister stressed that RMK13’s success relies on close collaboration among public servants, state governments, the private sector, academia, civil society, and the wider public.
He urged public servants to embrace RMK13’s ethos and uphold best governance practices to ensure the plan benefits all Malaysians without leaving anyone behind.
Organised jointly by INTAN and the Ministry of Economy, MEKA 2025 is expected to be a crucial platform for driving RMK13 strategies and initiatives, starting with Budget 2026 and continuing beyond, with the aim of elevating national dignity and sovereignty on the global stage.
The programme will be extended to INTAN regional centres in the South, East, North, Sabah and Sarawak, ensuring comprehensive engagement with public servants across states and local authorities. - September 30, 2025
