Malaysia needs to be part of process in dealing with external factors - Najib

Najib, who is also Finance Minister, said the government was aware that factors such as terrorism, crime, climate change and the economic downturn affecting the world at large were beyond Malaysia's control.

He cited the falling world crude oil price and slowdown of major economies such as China.

"There are numerous influences that are beyond our control, factors which have impacted our country.

"If these external factors are to be contained at the very least, we must be part of the forum or process on how to deal with the issues," he said at the monthly assembly for the Prime Minister's Department here today.

Also present was Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

Najib also noted that the Department's monthly assembly in October had to be postponed to this month owing to another external factor, the haze.

Nevertheless, the prime minister said, the government was still bound to handle and resolve internal and domestic issues to enable it to smoothly implement its plans.

He said the government's endeavour to this end is reflected in the Budget 2016 which would ensure the well-being of the people.