Inclusion of Urban Sustainability Pillars in 11th Malaysian Plan Using CPI Framework

Sustainable Urban Development

The first UN Conference on Stockholm Humanities in 1972 established the concept of sustainable development (Whitehead, 2003). This defining moment led to the subsequent creation of the SUD concept, which at the time was primarily discussed in relation to the world’s developing nations in order to respond to the problems of urban transition, rapid population growth, urban poverty, as well as cultural and environmental change (Hassan & Lee, 2015; Rasoolimanesh, Badarulzaman, & Jaafar, 2012). The three pillars of Malaysia’s SUD are economic development, social development and integration, and environmental protection (Hassan & Lee, 2015; Sachs, 2012). Achieving these goals, however, requires an understanding of the complex interaction between the social, economic, environmental, and the urban development components of MP11 (Sachs, 2015). Cities across the developing world should be improved and inequalities reduced (Rasoolimanesh, Badarulzanan, Abdullah, & Behrang, 2019). In addition, these developments should avoid environmental distress, drawing upon the natural capital of the city’s resources while promoting the advancement of various social groups, especially the poor (Abu-Ghazalah, 2008; Sachs, 2012).

Sustainable Development Goal 11 (SDG11)

Following the 2012 Rio+20 conference, several UN members states have moved to propose a number of sustainability objectives looking forward to 2030 (Rasoolimanesh et al., 2019). These SDGs were subsequently adopted at the 70th Assembly of the UN in 2015. The SUD concept features prominently in SDG11. This SDG aims to “make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable” (UN, 2017).

New Urban Agenda (NUA)

The UN Housing and Sustainable Urban Development Conference (i.e., Habitat III) in 2016 saw the introduction of the New Urban Agenda (NUA), which seeks to promote SUD by focusing on SDG11 and its interrelationship with other SDGs (United Nations Human Settlements Programme, 2017). The NUA outlines a common view for a stronger and viable world in which everyone enjoys equal and fair access to the advantages and opportunities of globalized urban centres. As such, the NUA represents a paradigm shift born of urban science. The NUA spans the five primary components of city planning, construction, development, management, and improvement along with its five main pillars which are national urban policies, urban legislation and regulations, urban planning and design, local economy and municipal finance, and local implementation (United Nations Human Settlements Programme, 2017).

City Prosperity Index (CPI) a tool supporting the SDG11

In 2012, UN-Habitat established an instrument for measuring urban sustainability. The City Prosperity Index (CPI) was designed based on a comprehensive, integrated and systematic view of the city. In the year 2013, the CPI was transformed and modified into a worldwide project to notify local and central government policies in related to problems of space, population, the economy, society and the environment, including governance. As such, the CPI offers city and local stakeholders the opportunity to develop better-informed strategies (UN-Habitat, 2016; UN Human Settlements Programme, 2017). The CPI is a composite index made of six main categories, productivity, infrastructure, quality of life, social inclusion, environmental sustainability and governance. The above dimensions and related indicators are customizable, thus allowing for monitoring by local and international bodies.

Productivity and the development of infrastructure are ultimately dependent upon economic development. The measurement of productivity involves indices used to assess urban assets and the contributions of a town or urban centre to economic growth, revenue creation, employment distribution and equal opportunities. The measurement of infrastructure development involves indices used to evaluate the availability of essential urban infrastructure, such as sanitary facilities, highways, roads, clean drinking water as well as information and communication technology. Quality of life, equity and social inclusion are related to the social development and inclusion pillar of SUD. Quality of life is measured based on indices such as the overall wellbeing and happiness of residents. Fairness and social inclusion, on the other hand, are measured using indicators of the fair distribution of benefits, poverty reduction, the rebuilding of slums, efforts to ensure the rights of minority groups, improved gender equity, and ensure the equitable participation of all in society. The environmental sustainability dimension covers the environmental protection pillar of SUD and includes indicators used to ensure the protection of the urban environment. The urban governance and legislation dimension is concerned with the notion of good governance and includes indicators used to measure the level of urban governance in cities (Rasoolimanesh et al., 2019; United Nations Human Settlements Programme, 2017)

Productivity (Economic Strength, Economic Agglomeration, and Employment)

MP11 is expected to improve economic resilience by adopting a further diversified economic base, larger domestic savings, balanced fiscal position, low inflation, full employment and the implementation of a sound financial system. Initiatives to leverage the productivity at the industry and enterprise levels will help to growth. This is done by having a national server and monetizing Malaysia's better welfare with the budget as well as providing advertising services. (Economic Planning Unit, 2016, p. 61). Including and applying some ssuccessful employment programs, such as the under, will improve the skills of the. It is anticipated that the participation of in skilled occupation categories may reach at least 60% by the year 2020 (Economic Planning Unit, 2016, p. 95).

Infrastructure (Housing Infrastructure, Social Infrastructure, Information and Communication Technology, Urban Mobility, and Urban Form)

MP11 is has a larger focus on Information and Communication Technology and Urban Form as compared with Housing Infrastructure, Social Infrastructure, and Urban Mobility. MP11 aims to provide quality and sufficiently affordable housing for low (i.e., poor) to middle-income households. Concerning the adoption of Information and Communication Technology, MP11 intends to increase access to information pertaining to agriculture, business, education, and health, with the goal being to expand the business and income-earning opportunities of Malaysians to improve their wellbeing. These objectives will be achieved through such programs such eRezeki and eHealth.

Given the priority for Urban Form by 2020, it is expected to see a series of progressive changes in economic growth, importance as talent hubs, and liability in four major Malaysian cities. These major cities, as pioneers, are selected according to their strong fundamentals. In addition, over time the transformation will be gradually expanded to the other cities. The perspective is shifting from “Uncontrolled and automobile-focused sprawl” to “Transit-oriented development”, thus increasing the use of public transportation and reducing people’s dependence on personal vehicles (Economic Planning Unit, 2016, p. 271).

Quality of life (Health, Education, Safety and Security, and Public Space)

MP11 addresses all four sub-themes relate to the quality of life theme. The government will improve access to quality healthcare services for all Malaysians, regardless of socioeconomic background or geographic location, by upgrading infrastructure, enhancing the capacity of personnel healthcare, promoting better lifestyle. These efforts are aimed at increasing life expectancy and reducing infant and maternal mortality. Moreover, under MP11, the government will also continue to focus on reducing school dropouts, providing appropriate support facilities (e.g., hostels, transportation, and financial aid for students in rural and remote areas to enable them to complete primary and secondary education (Economic Planning Unit, 2016, p. 79). MP11 will also push a safety and security agenda aimed at promoting crime awareness for effective prevention. As a result, Malaysians will feel more secure not only in their local environment but also on the streets and in public spaces since crime prevention efforts will decrease and eventually eradicate violence and property crime.

Equity and social inclusion (Economic Equity, Social Inclusion, Gender Inclusion, and Urban Diversity)

MP11 emphasises the creation of a more conducive working environment, as well as increasing the number of women in decision-making positions. The aim is to increase female participation in the labour market through more family-friendly employment strategies (Economic Planning Unit, 2016, p. 145).

Environmental sustainability (Air Quality, Waste Management, and Energy)

MP11 describes for the management of all seven types of waste, recognizing the types and volume of waste are strongly correlated with the evolving nature of the urban environment To this end, MP11 aims to increase waste recycling and recycling and improve landfill management to reduce waste and pollution. MP11 represents Malaysia's fundamental shift towards green growth. It also requires the role of natural resources and the environment in the economic development of the country while protecting simultaneously the achievements of development and biodiversity. To pursue green growth, the enabling environment will be reinforced, specifically in terms of policy and regulatory frameworks, human capital, green technology investment, and financial instruments. This transformation will confirm the sustainability of the nation’s natural resources, minimize pollution, and strengthen energy, food and water security. Moreover, preserving biodiversity, will enable Malaysia to strengthen the continuity of their function as a natural buffer against climate change and natural disaster.

Governance and legislation (Participation, Municipal Financing, and Institutional Capacity, and Governance of Urbanization)

Strategy F5 in MP11 focus on strengthening collaboration through a whole society approach by encouraging broader participation across government and non-governmental organizations, thus promoting the roles of organizational and community leaders in the delivery of social services. These actions are intended to increase accountability, with a greater focus on transparency and outcomes. Continuous efforts to uphold integrity and eradicate corruption will also enhance public perceptions concerning the integrity of the public sector, as well as improve Malaysia’s position in international rankings. Nevertheless, MP11 tends to gloss over issues pertaining to municipal financing, institutional capacity, and the governance of urbanization