M'SIA CAN PROGRESS FASTER WITH GOOD, CLEAN GOVERNANCE - PM ANWAR

PONTIAN, Feb 15 (Bernama) -- Malaysia has extraordinary potential to achieve faster progress if it continues to be governed well and cleanly, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

He said the country’s current economic performance showed that Malaysia was on a strong footing, driven by administrative stability and investor confidence in government policies.

Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, said the country’s economic growth performance, particularly in the fourth quarter of last year, exceeded the government’s expectations.

“I myself, as Finance Minister, was surprised by the figures we obtained for the final quarter of last year.

“We expected economic growth of around 5.4 to 5.5 per cent, but Malaysia recorded a growth of 6.4 per cent in the fourth quarter of last year,” he said when officiating the groundbreaking ceremony for an additional building at the Pontian Hospital and Rakyat MADANI Carnival here today.

Also present were Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, Deputy Works Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Maslan and Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar.

Anwar said the achievement was not political propaganda, but rather reflected the strength of the country’s economic fundamentals and the effectiveness of policies implemented by the government.

He said the success was also contributed by the commitment of civil servants and enforcement agencies in ensuring national stability and progress.

He said the country would continue to prosper if its leadership remained committed to the principles of good governance.

Meanwhile, he said efforts to combat crime, including smuggling and drug trafficking, required firm leadership and continuous commitment from all parties.

Anwar also called on Muslims to increase charitable giving and good deeds during Ramadan to strengthen unity and social harmony.

-- BERNAMA