ELEMENTS OF ANJUNG FRAMEWORK The ANJUNG Framework cannot be used independently as a stand alone tool. It serves to improve the

14.4 ELEMENTS OF ANJUNG FRAMEWORK The ANJUNG Framework cannot be used independently as a stand alone tool. It serves to improve the

content of the original policy to be studied. It includes the historical perspective, constructs, networks and multi-dimensional aspects of policy development, implementation and review processes. In this way a more complete and thorough analysis could be performed using the three tools mentioned earlier.

Based on the Malaysian case study, the ANJUNG Framework is composed of seven elements:

i Encapsulating the Malaysian socio-political and historical perspectives to the context of social inclusion;

ii. Exploring embeddedness of the idea of social inclusion in national policy and past/present practices of society;

iii. Identifying networks of gatekeepers, drivers and implementers within a centralised governance approach and multi-ministry/multiagency setup;

iv. Characterising the policy under scrutiny from an ecosystem perspective; v.

Archiving pertinent and related (mostly unpublished) official documents; vi.

Elaborating the institutional experience and lessons through interviews; vii.

Reflecting on the study and relating it to the local, regional and global context/goals such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Figure 8 - ANJUNG Framework

Together these elements contextualise the reference policy being studied in its origins, values, processes and direction. This framework (Figure 8) enriches the original material, allowing for refinement of insights generated from the resulting analyses.

The ANJUNG Framework takes into account the Malaysian historical and socio-political context which is fairly unique; having an uninterrupted single coalition government since independence for almost six decades.

Inclusiveness, and reducing inequalities have been the ongoing agenda guided by the Federal Constitution, as well as Rukunegara (National Ideology) and the New Economic Policy (NEP) introduced in 1971. Though probably not explicitly mentioned as social inclusion as the current understanding and concepts were yet to be developed in the early post- independence era, the “embeddedness” of the idea of social inclusion and the spirit of the NEP is argued to be part of all government policies, and more often assumed rather than stipulated in writing.

Malaysia has adopted national development planning (5-year plans) since the 1950s, and published 5- year National Blueprint. Strategic development planning at the national level is coordinated by the Economic Planning Unit (EPU), visualised as the nerve centre under the Prime Minister’s Department. This government entity connects the many ministries and public agencies. The interactions between agents, drivers and implementers in this elaborate web are complex. Navigating through this established system of government can be confusing for the uninitiated. There are many nexus of converging roles, intertwining responsibilities and overlapping boundaries. Often at the centre of these nexus are certain key individuals with significant influence in governance. They can play a role as gatekeepers, to allow access for both relevant information and networks.

It is argued that Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) policy landscape operates on the basis of an ecosystem, rather than a rigid pipeline environment where all influencing factors are known and well regulated. The strategic thrusts of the NPSTI reflect activities to maintain a natural system, contrasting

a command and control approach. These essential building blocks of the National Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Agenda of the nation – effective governance of STI activities, the growth and maintenance of a robust research, development & commercialisation (R,D&C) industry, the production, development and maintenance of a pool of competent STI talent for the local industry, an economic climate of invigorated industries, STI encultured society and expansion strategic international alliances and partnerships – are all enablers of a thriving STI ecosystem which in turn feed towards boosting national productivity and competitiveness. The current thinking of STI at a national level is that STI cannot be considered in isolation asit cuts across socioeconomic sectors, ministries and knowledge domains. The ecosystem thinking is exemplified by STI and its implementation being manifested in the various national blueprints which include not only the NPSTI, but the New Economic Model, the Economic Transformation Programme (ETP), the Small Medium Enterprise (SME) Master Plan 2012-2020 as well as the Malaysian Education Blueprint 2013-2025.

This ecosystem extends further beyond the national boundaries, as Malaysia actively pursues involvement in the various regional and international efforts in pushing for a more conscious action towards achieving sustainable social development globally. Global indicators of sustainable social development, mapped through the use of Sustainable Development Goals (SGDs), are relevant and consequently incorporated into the ANJUNG Framework.