Kuala lumpur: The Panel of Experts (POE) must play an active role in strengthening national policies and enhancing the public service, Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming said. In a statement today, Nga emphasized the panel’s crucial role in generating innovative ideas to support ongoing reforms in the public sector.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Nga highlighted the POE’s significant contribution to Malaysia’s impressive performance in the World Competitiveness Ranking (WCR) 2025, where the country ascended 11 spots to 23rd globally. This marked the highest improvement among all nations, as discussed during the POE Steering Committee Meeting held yesterday.

Nga underscored the necessity for sustained efforts to position Malaysia among the world’s top 12 most competitive economies by 2033, aligning with the MADANI Economic Framework. He urged the panel to adopt a strategic, data-driven, and holistic approach to help the country navigate global challenges, including geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty, and climate change.

Furthermore, Nga revealed that the government is in the final stages of preparing several bold and transformative initiatives under the 13th Malaysia Plan (2026-2030), which is anticipated to be tabled in Parliament on July 31. These initiatives include the proposed Fire Services (Amendment) Act 2025 and the Urban Renewal Bill (PSB), aimed at enhancing public safety and revitalizing aging urban areas.

The POE meeting, which concentrated on housing, local government, and sustainable urban development, was attended by senior KPKT officials and 39 experts, led by former Public Service Department director-general Tan Sri Mohd Khairul Adib Abd Rahman.