Govt to ensure income rises faster than prices of goods

The government will ensure that the rise in the income of the people is faster than that of prices of goods, says Minister in the Prime Minister's Department, Datuk Seri Abdul Wahid Omar.

He said towards this end, the government will find various means, including unpopular measures which can help strengthen the economy and finance of the country.

"The government will take proactive measures to ensure the income of the people rises, for them to enjoy a high quality of life in line with the aspiration to make Malaysia a high income nation by 2020," he added.

Abdul Wahid said this at a dialogue session themed, "Strengthening the Bumiputera Economy", organised by Pertubuhan Pemikir Agenda Watan Malaysia (Pemikir) here last night.

Pemikir, a volunteer think tank comprising professional volunteers, was formed with the aim of sharing views and ideas to help contribute various ideas to the government.

Abdul Wahid said the positive impact of the measures taken by the government would not be felt by the people, including the middle income group in the next few years.

"It is the same with the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax in April next year, when the people will begin to see the benefits, via a rise in national income within two years of its implementation," he added.

He also said the government was committed to implementing the agenda to strengthen the Bumiputera economy.