By Danial Dzulkifly
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 9 — The 'Malaysia Madani' framework, which replaced the Shared Prosperity Vision (SPV) 2030 that was launched in 2020, was formulated in view of the unique challenges faced by Malaysia in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the policy not only addresses socio-economic challenges but also places significant emphasis on a compassionate administrative approach.
This holistic vision prioritises both economic growth and the infusion of humane and religious values into the governance fabric, he said.
The Tambun MP went on to clarify that SPV, originally conceived with guidance from the World Bank in 2013, needs to align with the nation's current priorities, particularly considering factors like the country's increased debt levels.
"The Madani framework was crafted in response to the multifaceted challenges of post-normal times, which have presented us with unprecedented, contradictory and sometimes simultaneous difficulties.
"It was vital to develop a new policy framework that addresses religious, cultural and local issues, which might not necessarily align with prior recommendations set forth by the World Bank,’’ he said during a question and answer session in Parliament today.
Anwar was responding to opposition leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin, who sought clarity on the rationale behind supplanting the SPV with the Malaysia Madani framework.
Responding to a supplementary question from Hamzah about the decision to scrap the SPV, Anwar re-emphasised that the new framework was drafted based on insights from local economists, who possess a more nuanced understanding of the nation’s unique challenges.
“We cannot merely 'copy and paste' policies as the World Bank prescribes.
“This revamped framework has been sculpted based on advice from local economists, who have more up-to-date information than their World Bank peers,” Anwar said.
