MADANI REFORMS MUST CONTINUE TO BOOST COMPETITIVENESS, SAYS TREASURY SEC-GEN

PUTRAJAYA, Dec 6 (Bernama) -- Malaysia must remain consistent in driving the MADANI reform agenda to ensure the nation stays competitive and the well-being of the people continues to improve,  Treasury secretary-general Datuk Johan Mahmood Merican said. 

He said that although various achievements have been recorded under the MADANI economic framework and the Bureaucratic Red Tape Reform (RKB), there is still significant room for improvement, requiring sustained commitment across the government machinery.

“Both the Prime Minister (Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim) and the Chief Secretary to the Government (Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar) recognise that while we’ve made progress, much more remains to be done. The MADANI economic framework shows that several targets have yet to be reached, so these reforms must continue.

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“We have to stay the course and remain committed to the MADANI reforms so Malaysia becomes more competitive, more prosperous, and ultimately improves the people’s well-being,” he told Bernama on the sidelines of the ‘Rancakkan MADANI Bersama Malaysiaku’ programme and the National Public Service Reform Convention 2025 here today.

He said 323 RKB projects have been completed, an increase of 182 from earlier figures, resulting in annual compliance cost savings of more than RM2.01 billion.

These projects form part of more than 1,007 RKB initiatives registered nationwide, with 323 already completed, he said.

“Many initiatives have shortened approval times, reduced process steps, and accelerated government services. One of the key areas emphasised is digitalisation, as the Prime Minister has repeatedly highlighted,” he added. 

At the Finance Ministry, Johan said several procedures are being streamlined, including speeding up unclaimed money processing and improving efficiency at customs entry points.

He said digital platforms also enabled more accurate implementation of programmes such as ‘Sumbangan Asas Rahmah’ (SARA) and Budi MADANI RON95 (BUDI95), reducing subsidy leakages and ensuring savings can be redirected to initiatives that benefit the public more directly.

Commenting on the reforms’ impact on market confidence, Johan said the government’s efforts, including RKB, fiscal reforms and strengthened governance, have played a key role in bolstering investor trust.

“This is clearly reflected in the strengthening of the ringgit, which is up more than eight per cent against the US dollar this year—one of the best performances in Asia.

“The Chief Secretary also highlighted Malaysia’s improved position in the World Competitiveness Ranking, rising 11 places from 34 to 23. Approved investments last year reached RM380 billion, and momentum this year remains strong. These outcomes reflect the MADANI reform efforts, including RKB,” he said.

Asked about the next priorities for government reform, Johan stressed that Malaysia’s direction is clear — ensuring that reforms do not stall halfway.

“We are seeing results, but the journey is long. As long as we stay on the path of MADANI reforms, insya-Allah Malaysia will become more competitive, more prosperous, and the people will enjoy the benefits,” he said.

Johan also extended his congratulations on the third anniversary of the MADANI Government, describing the ‘Rancakkan MADANI’ programme as an important platform to highlight government services, initiatives and facilities to the public.

“This year, I see more content and more activities for families. This is important because sometimes we in government may not communicate well enough about the improvements and initiatives being implemented.

“So programmes like ‘Rancakkan MADANI’ and forums such as these help share best practices and the latest reforms for the convenience of the public,” he said.

The three-day Rancakkan MADANI programme, which began yesterday, features over 300 public service offerings, a career carnival, interactive exhibitions, family entertainment and a wide range of special promotions.

The national-scale programme is organised by the Prime Minister’s Office through the Performance Acceleration Coordination Unit (PACU) and is targeting 300,000 visitors. It runs from 9 am to 10 pm on Friday and Saturday, and 9 am to 6 pm on Sunday.

The Prime Minister is scheduled to officiate the closing ceremony at 11 am tomorrow.

-- BERNAMA