NATIONAL PEACE KEY TO PROGRESS - PM ANWAR

KOTA KINABALU, Nov 27 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today urged people of all races in the country to always prioritise understanding and dialogue in resolving differences.

He said that without national peace, progress could not be achieved.

Recalling his recent working visit to Africa, the Prime Minister said ethnic conflicts in several countries on the continent had hindered much progress and development for the benefit of their own people.

“That is why I urge friends, including in Sabah, not to take peace lightly because a small mistake can lead to total breakdown.

“The economy collapses, business suffers, the nation suffers, so safeguard peace,” he said during a gathering with the Sabah Chinese community, organised by the Federation of Chinese Associations Sabah here, tonight.

The Prime Minister said that every community in the country faced its own challenges, but solutions required the willingness of all parties to negotiate and find common ground.

“We have a diversity of races, but can we not make mutual concessions to find solutions? Even if not all parties are satisfied, what is important is that we continue to strive for the best resolution,” he said.

Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, said that when peace was well maintained, the country’s economy could continue to grow, as evidenced by the Ringgit’s position as one of the strongest currencies in Asia.

“Compare the Ringgit’s performance with the Indonesian Rupiah, Thai Baht, Philippine Peso, Chinese Yuan and Japanese Yen. The Ringgit shows among the best performance in Asia. This achievement is the result of transparent and effective economic management,” he said.

According to the Prime Minister, the country’s economic success is not only contributed by large corporations, but also driven by small and medium enterprises that act as catalysts for private sector growth.

“This strong economic growth is supported by entrepreneurs driving the private sector. Therefore, a slight tax increase should be seen as a contribution to increasing national revenue, which will enable the government to improve essential services such as education and infrastructure,” he said.

-- BERNAMA