Kuala lumpur: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof emphasized that the success of the aspirations under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) at the local government level hinges on the close synergy between the Federal Government, state governments, and local authorities (PBTs).

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Fadillah noted that state governments must reinforce their commitment to policy development and legal frameworks to empower PBTs. Meanwhile, the PBTs should be agile, innovative, and people-oriented implementers with clear well-being indicators to ensure effective local governance.

The Deputy Prime Minister also highlighted the importance of the private sector and communities as strategic partners in local development. “I believe with this spirit of togetherness, cities and regions in Malaysia can become sustainable, inclusive, and prosperous growth centres, on par with developed nations. The role of local governments is significant, from the grassroots up to the national level, in realising 13MP,” he stated in a Facebook post.

Earlier in the day, Fadillah chaired the 86th Meeting of the National Council for Local Government (MNKT) at Parliament House. The meeting aligns with Article 95A of the Federal Constitution, which establishes the MNKT as a consultation medium between the Federal Government and state governments concerning policies and laws related to local governments.