For a considerable time, poverty has been viewed as a complex issue that involves limited access to essential services, housing, safety, and other facets of quality of life in addition to a lack of money. Concerning this, the Malaysia MADANI framework demonstrates the unity administration’s steadfast commitment to eliminating poverty by including it as one of its three main goals.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s vision of a civilised, skilled, and inclusive society is outlined in the Malaysia MADANI framework, which is strongly rooted in six essential values: ihsan (compassion), kemampanan (sustainable), kesejahteraan (prosperity), daya cipta (innovation), hormat (respect), and keyakinan (trust).

The MADANI Economy

The MADANI Economy was developed to replace the Shared Prosperity Vision 2030 (SPV 2030), according to Anwar, since it has a comprehensive implementation framework and is suitable for the current economic environment.

The Malaysia MADANI paradigm prioritises fiscal development and economic sustainability while including shared humane ideals. It also helps the country achieve its overall goals, which include an inclusive society, government, and economic revenue.

In addition to being a broad framework for policy, it also considers recent economic advancements, such as the New Industrial Master Plan 2030, the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR), and the 12th Malaysia Plan Mid-Term Review (MP MTR), which were all introduced this year.

Apart from that, the policies are clearer for the public, machinery, and private sectors. As the primary hub, the Prime Minister’s Department oversees a strong implementation structure for the MADANI economy.

Short- or long-term strategies

Concerning how Malaysia MADANI addresses poverty, it can extend novel short- or long-term strategies to end poverty. As stated by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, the country is committed to eradicating poverty and might benefit from studying China’s effective approach.

China has achieved the remarkable feat of pulling 800 million people out of poverty in the previous 40 years; our nation must aim to replicate this.

Malaysia can learn a great deal from China’s experience in economic development, which is based on many elements such as a robust export-oriented manufacturing sector, a large and educated labour population, a vibrant entrepreneurial culture, and the attraction of foreign direct investments.

The ideas of Malaysia MADANI, according to Fadillah, are in line with the Belt and Road Symposium Malaysia’s goal of creating a community with a shared, inclusive future for all people. Based on the MADANI framework, the government will use two measures to combat poverty: raising income, enhancing living standards, and providing access to basic services for the impoverished in both urban and rural areas.

Through a nationwide strategy integrating the public and commercial sectors, academics, civil society groups, community-based organisations, and local communities, the execution of poverty eradication projects would be reinforced.

17 Big Bold Measures, 71 primary strategies and initiatives

With the theme ‘Malaysia MADANI: Sustainable, Prosperous, High-Income’, the 12MP MTR presents 17 Big Bold measures, comprising 71 primary strategies and initiatives, that will act as the primary driving force behind the nation’s efforts to accelerate the reform of its socioeconomic development following the aspiration of Malaysia MADANI.

The Big Bold measures begin with eliminating extreme poverty, improving basic infrastructure and people’s basic requirements, such as bettering disadvantaged clinics and schools, guaranteeing a clean water supply, and developing the Islamic economy.

Its report states that basic utilities and communication services, including clean water, electricity, and internet access, will be upgraded, especially in isolated places. Meanwhile, the MADANI Medical Scheme will be implemented, and the Nutrition Rehabilitation Programme for Malnourished Children will be substantially improved.

Without regard to an individual’s origins or ethnic background, the government promised to end extreme poverty this year. Through the provision of many work possibilities and the reinforcement of social protection, immediate actions will be taken to empower the vulnerable population and end poverty.

-- BERNAMA

Prof Datin Seri Suhaiza Hanim is the Director of the Ungku Aziz Centre at University of Malaya.