Transformation plan that will benefit businesses as well

 

Disclosure of government procurement details and stiffer punishment for graft will further increase transparency in the award of contracts and ensure a level playing field

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak on Thursday launched the Government Transformation Programme (GTP), which comprises National Key Result Areas (NKRAs) and key performance indicators (KPIs) of ministers and ministries.

He described it as a radical approach that will result in important changes being undertaken to bring about big and fast benefits.

"The GTP embodies the wishes of the people, from what we have seen and evaluated. This is what the people want, and what they expect of the government of the day," the Prime Minister had said at the launch.

By the first quarter of 2011, there will be a GTP annual report informing the public what the government has and has not delivered.

The six NKRAs are to reduce crime; fight corruption; improve student achievement and access to quality education; eradicate hardcore poverty; improve rural infrastructure; and establish efficient public transport.

While on the surface the GTP is aimed mainly at addressing the needs and concerns of the public, it can be said that businesses and industries also stand to benefit from this unprecedented plan.

The RM18 billion allocated over the next three years for rural infrastructure development will mean many opportunities for contractors, developers and utility companies to build roads, houses, and extend water and electricity services.

When road networks improve and new communities grow with adequate basic amenities, shops, factories and support services will soon follow.

Disclosure of government procurement details and stiffer punishment for graft will further increase transparency in the award of contracts and ensure a level playing field.

This will boost overall business confidence in the country and help attract more investments.

An efficient and comfortable public transport system should see more people take trains and buses to work, which will reduce the time, pollution and stress from hours of gridlock on the roads. As a result, productivity should improve.

Initiatives to improve student achievement and education standards are steps in the right direction to address future needs of industry for skilled manpower and professionals in the knowledge-based economy.

The transformation envisioned under the GTP is broader and more encompassing than what some may initially think.

For this reason, it needs the support and concerted efforts of all stakeholders to ensure the plan succeeds.