KUALA LUMPUR: Lawmakers have greeted the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) with optimism but stressed the need for proper implementation.

       Umno secretary-general Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan said the economy must be strengthened by making it “future-proof” with more high-income jobs available.

       “The development gap between states must be reduced and the income gaps between the rich and the poor must be tightened.

       “Unemployment must also be addressed,” the Pontian MP added.

       Lembah Pantai MP Fahmi Fadzil said the 12MP was a sizeable document which needs to be thoroughly pored over, but he noted that there were some bold green sustainable goals such as carbon pricing and no more future coal-powered plants.

       “I think it’s a bold commitment by the government to phase out coal-fired power plants that will be welcomed by many,” he said.

       However, he added that the government should avoid the pitfalls experienced by some developed nations that have already introduced a carbon tax.

       Petaling Jaya MP Maria Chin Abdullah said the finer details under the plan should be looked at.

       “Most of the national plans are well written but sometimes, they may not be well implemented.

       “They should look into the finer details, including how to solve poverty in our country,” she added.

       She also said the government needs to integrate all the data available from ministries and agencies to come up with the necessary solutions.

       Kota Melaka MP Khoo Poay Tiong said the tabling of the 12MP by the Prime Minister was lengthy but praised the contents of the roadmap as being very detailed.

       “However, what I hope most from this Malaysia Plan is that it must be one that cares about the people,” he added.