9MP is the most embarassing Malaysia Plan

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has been repeatedly asked about the criticisms from his former boss, Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohammad. And each time, Abdullah will say, "I don't have time to address all of these. Let my ministers reply to Tun. I need to focus on ensuring that the 9MP is right on track."

The 9th Malaysia Plan (9MP) is the most embarassing Malaysia Plan in the history. The tabling of the 9MP in Parliament by Abdullah was delayed for over 6 months. In Malaysia's history, the economic development plans (known as the Malaysia Plans) have been tabled in the Parliament before the phase begins. The 9MP was tabled when the country is already in the 9MP phase.

Did Abdullah really focus on the 9MP or just tried to hide his weaknesses behind it?

Few of the projects in the 9MP had actually been completed in the 8th Malaysia Plan (8MP) phase. Among those are the Shah Alam high court complex and a highway in the state of Kedah. In Perak, the Menteri Besar admitted that some funds in the 9MP have been allocated to cancelled projects.

He said, "RM796 million was allocated in the 9MP to build the double-track electric train project, but this project has already been cancelled when the Prime Minister first took over the country's administration in 2003". He also said, "In anyway, we will still take the allocated fund and channel it towards other development projects in the state". Well done, Mr. Prime Minister!