G25 Malaysia welcomes the publication of the Thirteenth Malaysia Plan (2026–2030).
The document sets out a clear medium-term vision for Malaysia’s transition into a developed, high-income nation by the end of this decade.
With gross domestic product (GDP) continuing to grow and per capita income rising steadily, Malaysia is well positioned to make this leap.
However, to achieve the desired objectives, the plan must include the necessary institutional and human rights reforms. These reforms are needed to meet rising expectations among the new generation.
The strength of any plan lies not just in its vision but in the consistency of its implementation. Without clear and firm political commitment and sustained coordination, there is a risk of disconnect between policy intent and outcomes on the ground. This includes a firm political commitment to eradicate the menace of systemic corruption.
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Malaysia’s ambition to become a high-income, innovation-driven economy must be underpinned by policies that develop and retain talent. The policies must also avoid deepening socioeconomic inequalities.
Commercialisation of public services
G25 is concerned by the growing commercialisation of public services in the name of “financial sustainability”. Examples include the increasing trend of direct intakes in public universities and the privatisation of public healthcare through initiatives like Rakan KKM (Friends of the Ministry of Health).
This risks creating new socioeconomic divides not based on race or religion but between those who can afford access and those who cannot.
As a result, we risk depriving deserving Malaysians of higher education opportunities in our public universities when there are foreign applicants who can afford to pay more. We also risk having medical treatment of poorer patients delayed further in favour of other fee-paying patients in public hospitals.
We also risk violating the equality provisions as enshrined in Article 8 (equality before the law) and Article 12 (equality in the administration of education) of the Federal Constitution.
Reduce regional disparities
The government must not lose sight of regional disparities in development, especially in the East Coast and in East Malaysia. As we move toward high-income status, inclusive growth must mean shared prosperity across all states, not just in the urban and industrial heartlands.
The 13th Malaysia Plan must be accompanied by meaningful reforms in federal-state relations, as mandated by the spirit of federalism. This means ensuring equitable resource allocation, infrastructure investment and fiscal transfers reflect not only population size or political alignment but developmental needs and long-term equity.
Higher expectations require democratic improvements
As the saying goes, when the stomach is full, the people expect higher standards in governance, democracy and civil liberties.
Economic advancement must be matched by improvements in freedom of expression, good governance and respect for constitutional rights.
Failing to meet these expectations risks fostering resentment that could be exploited by extremist narratives.
G25 believes that civil society has an essential role in shaping national discourse on language, race, religion and human rights.
The government should embrace and encourage open dialogue, even when views are critical, so long as they are conducted in a civil manner and do not incite hatred or violence.
Public trust in the government is strengthened when dissent is not feared but welcomed, and when democratic institutions demonstrate their independence and integrity.
Uphold constitutional principles
We further urge the government to maintain its commitment to constitutional democracy, good governance and the rule of law, with Parliament as the supreme law-making body and an independent judiciary.
The Federal Constitution clearly defines Malaysia as a secular democracy with Islam as the religion of the Federation, whilst other religions may be practised in peace and harmony.
No state governments should enact laws that contradict these foundational principles.
Any such actions must be subject to Parliamentary oversight and judicial review, to uphold national unity and legal consistency.
In reaffirming the supremacy of the Federal Constitution, Malaysia can ensure that no state unilaterally undermines our democratic fabric or causes confusion over the country’s future direction.
By demonstrating maturity, tolerance and a commitment to reform, Malaysia will gain greater international confidence, whether from investors, tourists or global institutions. Aligning our economic trajectory with shared democratic values will elevate our standing on the world stage.
G25 remains hopeful that with growing political maturity and principled leadership, the 13th Malaysia Plan will not only achieve its growth and sectoral targets but will also bring about a more just, inclusive and democratic Malaysia. – G25
AGENDA RAKYAT - Lima perkara utama
- Tegakkan maruah serta kualiti kehidupan rakyat
- Galakkan pembangunan saksama, lestari serta tangani krisis alam sekitar
- Raikan kerencaman dan keterangkuman
- Selamatkan demokrasi dan angkatkan keluhuran undang-undang
- Lawan rasuah dan kronisme
