Pemandu Eyes Opportunities To Implement Malaysia's Transformation Methodologies

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 15 (Bernama) -- The Performance Management and Delivery Unit (Pemandu) is exploring opportunities in South Asian countries to implement Malaysia's transformation methodologies to achieving economic development and governance. This is following the success of implementing the programme in Andhra Pradesh, India. Director Ravindran Devagunam said the government agency is currently in talks with other states in India including Puducherry, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan, as well as clients from other countries like Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. He said Malaysia's transformation menthodologies would be used and customised according to the clients' requirements as to how they want to grow and execute the programme. "Typically, it will be similar to what we've done for Andhra Pradesh (where) urban development and governance are very important to them. "So generally, especially after the demonetisation, what we really want to do is have a better governance programme," he told reporters on the sidelines of The Economic Times Asian Business Leaders Conclave here Thursday. In December 2015, the Andhra Pradesh Government signed a memorandum of understanding with Pemandu to cooperate in areas of performance management and monitoring of public programmes, education and retail services. Meanwhile, Ravindran said Malaysia would be able to achieve its target of US$15,000 gross national income (GNI) per capita before 2020, provided that global oil prices rebound, commoditiy prices also increase and Malaysia's economy grows by five per cent. "Last year, we hit US$10,500 because of weaker oil prices. (Now) it should be around the same. "That means there is another US$5,000 that we need to improve by and we still have a couple more years," he said. Wednesday, Prime Minister Najib Razak said Malaysia's economy would likely grow by five per cent in 2017. "The five per cent itself will take us closer in terms GNI per capita," Ravindran added. -- BERNAMA