The 13th Malaysia Plan has shifted its focus towards a more holistic approach, emphasizing human and social development as key drivers of the country’s growth. According to the panel director, this new strategy aims to create a more balanced and sustainable development framework. The plan recognizes that economic growth alone is not sufficient to ensure the well-being of citizens, and therefore, prioritizes human and social development. This approach is expected to have a positive impact on the country’s overall development, leading to improved living standards and a higher quality of life for Malaysians. The 13th MP is designed to address the country’s socio-economic challenges, including poverty, inequality, and social injustice. By focusing on human and social development, the plan seeks to empower citizens, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, to participate fully in the country’s development process. The plan also emphasizes the importance of education, healthcare, and social protection in promoting human and social development. Furthermore, the 13th MP recognizes the need to address the country’s environmental challenges, including climate change, and promotes sustainable development practices. The plan’s holistic approach is expected to foster a more cohesive and inclusive society, where all citizens have access to opportunities and resources. The panel director noted that the 13th MP is a significant departure from previous plans, which focused primarily on economic growth. The new approach is designed to be more people-centric, recognizing that human and social development are essential for achieving sustainable and inclusive growth. The plan’s emphasis on human and social development is also expected to have a positive impact on the country’s economic growth, as a more skilled and educated workforce will be better equipped to drive innovation and productivity. Additionally, the plan’s focus on social protection and healthcare will help to reduce poverty and inequality, leading to a more stable and secure society. The 13th MP is a five-year plan, which will be implemented from 2021 to 2025. The plan’s success will depend on the effective implementation of its strategies and the collaboration of all stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector organizations, and civil society. The panel director emphasized the need for a whole-of-society approach to achieve the plan’s objectives, recognizing that human and social development are a shared responsibility. The 13th MP is also expected to promote greater accountability and transparency in the development process, with a focus on results-based monitoring and evaluation. Overall, the 13th Malaysia Plan’s holistic approach to development is a significant step forward for the country, recognizing the importance of human and social development in achieving sustainable and inclusive growth. The plan’s emphasis on education, healthcare, and social protection will help to empower citizens and promote a more cohesive and inclusive society. As the country moves forward with the implementation of the 13th MP, it is essential to ensure that all stakeholders are engaged and committed to achieving the plan’s objectives. The success of the 13th MP will have a lasting impact on the country’s development trajectory, and it is crucial that the plan’s strategies are effectively implemented to achieve the desired outcomes. The 13th MP is a critical component of the country’s development framework, and its implementation will require careful planning, coordination, and monitoring. By prioritizing human and social development, the 13th MP is expected to drive sustainable and inclusive growth, leading to improved living standards and a higher quality of life for all Malaysians.