He recalled how Multimedia University (MMU) was initially slated to be built in Negeri Sembilan, but the plan was scrapped due to “governance issues” and the political leadership at the time.
“I still remember MMU founder Rashdan Baba, with his firm and uncompromising attitude, told me that he was not willing to proceed with the project in Negeri Sembilan due to bribery attempts,” Anwar said at the launch of Pikas 2030 at MMU today.
Anwar, who is also the finance minister, said companies involved in Pikas 2030 must prioritise the welfare of the “family” that made up their workforce.
He added that the role of the Public-Private Partnership Unit (Ukas) in the Prime Minister’s Department is to ensure the speedy approval of projects and that the process is not weighed down by bureaucracy.
“They must not deviate from the main principles of governance and refrain from committing fraud that has undermined the impetus for change in our country,” Anwar said.
Pikas 2030 aims to provide a robust and sustainable public-private partnership (PPP) landscape that drives national well-being, according to Ukas director Razman Abu Samah.
Through four strategic pillars and 17 initiatives, Razman said the master plan is expected to contribute RM82 billion to the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP), increase private investment to RM78 billion and create up to 900,000 job opportunities by 2030.
Meanwhile, Selangor menteri besar Amirudin Shari applauded Pikas 2030 for opening up more opportunities for the state government to collaborate with the federal government.
He highlighted that Selangor has witnessed numerous successful PPP projects, including the construction of the Kesas Highway, DASH Highway, Suke Highway and KLIA.
“PPP projects not only contribute to Selangor’s economic growth by improving major infrastructure facilities but also provide significant social benefits,” Amirudin said.
He cited the Westports Holdings’ expansion project in Port Klang, which he said would create 6,000 full-time jobs and contribute RM19 billion to the nation’s GDP.
Ukas said proposed projects under Pikas 2030 would be selected through a bidding process via a request for proposal, with a dedicated focus on user-pay-oriented projects.
It also said business trusts (amanah perniagaan) and real estate investment trusts (amanah pelaburan hartanah) would be explored as alternative financing options for these projects.