SHAH ALAM, Aug 21 — Selangor must seize the growing economic potential of ASEAN and aspire to become a model for the region, rather than merely being Malaysia’s leading state, said Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari.
The bloc is entering a decade of ASEAN, with the region well positioned to become a major centre of global growth.
“ASEAN, with its population of more than 600 million, abundant natural resources and a more stable political situation compared with other continents and regions, has its own strengths.
“We must increase our confidence in the generations and people of Asia. We should not only become a feeder to other continents or major powers,” he said in his speech during the Second Selangor Plan’s (RS-2) launching ceremony and briefing with news editors at the Concorde Hotel today.
Hence, Selangor should be bold enough to compete and position itself as a reference point for ASEAN’s development.
Amirudin emphasised that Selangor wants to position itself as an ASEAN Model State for equitable growth and quality of life by 2030.
“We dare to join the competition to ensure that we become a model and an example. If ASEAN succeeds, which country will become an example? Which region will become the reference?” he said.
The ambition is not simply to retain Selangor’s position as Malaysia’s leading economic contributor but to benchmark the state against successful countries, provinces, and regions.
“It is not just a claim that we are the best state in Malaysia; we have contributed more than a quarter of the Malaysian economy. We want to reach 28 to 30 per cent of Malaysia’s economic share.
“But we must move upwards and measure ourselves against countries and provinces. This is not an empty dream,” Amirudin said.
This is reflected in the RS-2, which is the state’s five-year socioeconomic development plan until 2030, that has been approved during the recent Selangor State Legislative Assembly last Thursday (August 13).
He said that RS-2 is designed not merely to pursue economic growth and income targets but to create a more prosperous and dignified society.
“RS-2 is not merely a document that asks whether we can achieve a median monthly household income of RM14,000 or annual growth of 6.5 per cent.
“It is about whether we can create a dignified economy and a decent life,” Amirudin said.
He added that Selangor’s ambitions might appear challenging, but higher aspirations are necessary as the world continues to change rapidly, especially with the emergence of artificial intelligence, geopolitical shifts, and climate change.
RS-2 comprised six missions and 98 initiatives covering economic leadership, balanced development between districts, a caring state and unique culture, human capital, strategic governance, and effective government serving the people and businesses.
The Menteri Besar noted that the Plan’s success ultimately depends on its implementation by state departments, agencies, district offices, and government-linked companies.
“Sometimes we need to challenge ourselves. Without new challenges, new dreams and new imagination, we will remain trapped in our past memories and be left behind by the achievements we have already made while the world changes so rapidly.
“The plan is the broadest framework that determines where we are going. But who implements it? We do,” Amirudin said.
All state-level programmes, budgets, projects, investments, and initiatives should be aligned with the six missions and 25 key indicators under the RS-2 document.
“If we do not make this work, the people on the ground will not feel anything. If we are not alert and prepared for new indicators of change, the plan could become too rigid and we could fail because of our inability to adapt,” he said.
