The policy framework for industrial development in the Fourth Malaysia Plan

Abstract

At the outset I would like to congratulate the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers for taking the initiative to organise this Seminar on the Fourth Malaysia Plan. At a time when this Plan is the focal point of numerous discussions within the country, it is most timely that the FMM which represents part of the fastest growing economic sector in this country, should give special attention to this programme. When one talks about industrial development it is not possible to deal with the subject as an isolated compartment, for industrial development involves the entire gamut of Government and private sector participation at all levels. Industrial development involves inputs of land, labour, capital and entrepreneurial skill and all these will have to be undertaken within the framework of the Government's efforts to maintain, foster and improve the investment climate in the country. When one talks about investment climate, here again this permeates into every sector of Malaysian public and private sector activity including political stability, economic performance, fiscal incentives, procedures, bureaucratic red-tape, etc. I am sure as manufacturers, you are all too familiar with the fact that in the setting up of a factory and its operation, not only in Malaysia but also in any other country, you will have to be in contact with almost every sector of Government at one level or another, be it Municipal, State or Federal.