CYBERJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim wants all projects under the Public-Private Partnership Master Plan 2030 (Pikas 2030) to be governed by firm, resolute and uncompromising principles.
He said any privatisation initiative must prioritise three key areas — wages, housing and the education of workers' children.
"When we first initiated privatisation, we made significant progress but often overlooked the foundational framework and the nation's broader direction. This is why Pikas projects must adopt a governance approach that is stringent and resistant to misconduct,
"We must also consider the families of the company's workers who have the capacity to build the company, meaning wage rates, housing and education must be aligned with the company's capabilities," Anwar said at the launch of Pikas 2030.
Pikas 2030 is a strategic plan to provide a robust and sustainable Public-Private Partnership (PPP) landscape to drive the nation's prosperity.
The plan under the Prime Minister's Department Public-Private Partnership Unit (Ukas) is an integrated initiative aimed at strengthening governance and project management through a public-private partnership approach.
Present were Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar and Ukas director-general Muhammad Razman Abu Samah.
Anwar said since the implementation of public-private partnerships (PPP) in 1981, and during his tenure as deputy prime minister and finance minister in 1991, various plans had been drawn up, but much remains to be improved in terms of governance.
He said while the majority of 510 PPP projects implemented followed stringent methods, some failed to adhere to guidelines, leading to weaknesses.
"The contribution of PPPs is not in question. For example, the contribution of more than RM50.5 billion to the gross domestic product and the creation of more than 600,000 jobs — these are impressive and commendable figures.
"But believe me, these numbers alone cannot captivate us or elevate this nation to a developed status. These figures are only the beginning."
Anwar also said changes in methods and approaches are required if the country is to become a key contributor and driving force in the creation of a new Malaysia.
"A post-normal era demands different methods. It is impossible for us to maintain the plans from 20 years ago to achieve progress over the next 10 years.
"The so-called post-normal era demands rapid changes, just as with AI (artificial intelligence), which enables transformation in the blink of an eye."
Anwar said if all the matters he raised are addressed, he is confident that the Malaysia Madani concept would clearly define a compassionate and sustainable economy.
This, he said, is because it is not just about profit and sustainability.
"Its sustainability encompasses a holistic approach that elevates human dignity, incorporating the human dimension into development."