Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi Friday announced the Ninth Malaysia Plan, blueprinting development and progress for this country in the next five-year period (2006-2010).

Badawi tabled the national plan, themed "Together Towards Glory, Excellence and Distinction", at the parliament here, which is televised live starting from around 15:30 local time (0730 GMT).

The plan outlines the government's policies and programs to boost the country's capabilities to compete globally, ensure equitable distribution of income and nation's wealth, strengthen national unity and a better quality of life for the people.

It took the Malaysian government more than one year to prepare for the plan after consulting with various communities across the country, with Badawi playing the role of chief architect and chief coordinator.

The details are mapped out in a 559-page book (the Malay version runs to 587 pages), published by the Economic Planning Unit in the Prime Minister's Department.

Source: Xinhua