Malaysia’s Development Projects Driven by Real Needs, Not Politics, Says Deputy Prime Minister

PUTRAJAYA, Dec 7: Malaysia’s development agenda under the MADANI government continues to prioritize real community needs across all states, including Sabah and Sarawak, ensuring that the benefits are felt by the people directly and equitably, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.

Speaking at the forum “Kerajaan MADANI Retrospective and Charting the Road Ahead,” Fadillah dismissed claims that development projects are politically motivated. He reiterated that every initiative is carefully evaluated based on genuine requirements and the needs of targeted communities.

“Our decisions are not driven by politics. They are guided solely by the real needs of the people, region by region, state by state,” he said.

The forum was held as part of the National Public Service Reform Convention (ARPA), organized under the Rancakkan MADANI Bersama Malaysiaku program at Dataran Putrajaya, and also featured Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

Fadillah said ongoing subsidy rationalization, including the removal of chicken and egg subsidies, restructuring of electricity tariffs, and targeted reforms to diesel and RON95, has generated RM15.5 billion in annual savings.

These savings, he noted, are being channeled into direct cash assistance, improvements in healthcare and education, and enhanced public infrastructure.

“These reforms are necessary to restore and strengthen our national economy,” he said.

Fadillah highlighted that digital transformation remains a core national priority, with major emphasis on artificial intelligence (AI) and the semiconductor sector.

Malaysia approved RM378.5 billion in investments in these industries in 2024 alone, with the potential to create over 207,000 new jobs, reinforcing economic growth and raising income levels.

“We must embrace new technologies to remain competitive globally and stay on the right development path,” he added.

From 2026, the government will shift focus to the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13), which aims to drive value creation, sustainability, and inclusivity through wide-ranging reforms.

Fadillah emphasized that strong cooperation between the public service and the people is essential to achieve Malaysia’s long-term vision of becoming a developed and prosperous nation.

Fadillah also highlighted Malaysia’s diplomatic achievements, particularly the successful hosting of the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in October, which enhanced the country’s standing on the international stage.

“These accomplishments elevate Malaysia’s image globally,” he said.