Sustainable Development in Malaysia: Challenges and Recommendations

1. UNDP Launch of Human Development Report“Sustainability and Equity, a better future for all” 25th November 2011 KL Josie M. Fernandez Secretary General, TI-M

2. Sustainability and Equity A mother in Bhutan feeds her children while working in the fields. Defending the Future, IIED/Earthscan, 1991 (Source: Poverty: Rallying for Change – World Consumer Rights Day 1998, Consumers International)

3. Malaysia embraces sustainable development Two factors influenced Malaysia to embrace sustainable development: • The first was the country’s growing diplomatic influence. Economic success had earned Malaysia the respect and confidence of the developing world, and as a leader of the Group of 77 • The second factor that drew Malaysia towards sustainable development was the allegation of wanton deforestation, voiced by the international community. The plight of the Penan people in Sarawak, whose homelands were being indiscriminately logged, had gained notoriety ……

4. Ad hoc national policy processes • The National Steering Committee (NSC) on Sustainable Development was established in 1990 with wide-ranging membership of key national planning and line agencies. • A surge of media attention to sustainable development established the concept in the general public awareness. • The need to strengthen interagency coordination was also recognized with a plan to set up a National Council for the Environment (Malaysia, The Six Malaysia Plan, 1991-1995). Not followed up

5. Forestry and biodiversity • Malaysia also undertook a review of its policy framework resulting in amendments to the National Forestry Act in 1993 • A comprehensive study of the nation’s green policy, the National Conservation Strategy, was completed in 1993

6. Multilateral environmental agreements • Malaysia is a party to a number of multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs), which have been important drivers of environmental policy implementation within the country

7. Foreign aid • An important new aspect during this phase was the catalytic role played by foreign aid. Commencing in 1994, the Danish Cooperation for Environment and Development (DANCED) played an important role in improving Malaysia’s policy process and capacity for environmental planning.

8. The future of sustainable development and equity in Malaysia • An independent evaluation of the implementation of Agenda 21 in Malaysia for the World Summit of Sustainable Development (WSSD) by a consortium of non-governmental organizations in Malaysia concluded (MNF for Rio+10, 2003) that: “In essence, the words are in the right place but in truth the actions are not. The commitment and focus to implement sustainable development practices is not forthcoming.”

9. Focus on economic growth hampering sustainability and equity? • The Third Outline Perspective Plan (2001-2010) maintains that the nation will pursue ‘environmentally sustainable development to reinforce long-term growth’ • Economic growth is still the overarching objective

10. Recommendations for Joint Sustainability / Equity Approach in Sustainability Development Policies • Redefine sustainability • Political will and commitment needed for policy integration that reflects sustainability and equity approach with indicators • A comprehensive reform of environmental and natural resource legislation to include sustainable development and equity • Develop and implement sustainability and equity plans for climate change impact

11. Cont… • Build the regulatory capacity of staff • Address abuse of power/corruption in forestry/land/water/energy • Institutionalize Sustainability/Equity (Community empowerment, policy integration….) Sustainability and Equity cannot remain a marginal consideration, but must be accepted as core imperatives in policy and governance.

12. Thank You...