'Malaysians up to the challenge in achieving Vision 2020' - Najib

The Special Task Force to Facilitate Business (Pemudah) has delivered sterling services in expediting the public-private sector initiatives in tandem with the Economic and Government Transformation Programmes, Datuk Seri Najib Razak said.

The Prime Minister said the works of Pemudah might appeared to go slightly unsung at times but they were appreciated by both the government and corporate sectors.

"The ideas introduced by them are integral to the policies and processes of the government to maintain Malaysia's economic trajectory," he said when launching the Pemudah Annual Report 2014 here today.

The eight-year old Pemudah, which comprises highly respected individuals from the public and private sectors, was set up on Feb 7, 2007.

Currently, it is co-chaired by Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Dr Ali Hamsa and Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers President Datuk Seri Saw Choo Boon.

Najib said Pemudah's efforts to facilitate the ease of doing business in Malaysia had been recognised by international bodies, including the World Bank, the World Economic Forum and the Institute of Management Development (IMD).

"These world bodies have placed Malaysia high in their rankings for ease of doing business and competitiveness," he said, adding that the IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook 2015 ranked Malaysia 14th out of 61 countries, ahead of Netherlands, Ireland, New Zealand, Australia, the UK, and Japan.

Despite some naysayers who wish to talk Malaysia down, Najib said out on Malaysia's economy track record in regards to years of record investment, sound fundamentals, diversification, reform sustainability and inclusivity.

"These credible and influential reports highlighting Malaysia's attractiveness as a preferred investment destination are testament to the private-public partnership, epitomised by Pemudah, which forms the foundation of Malaysia's economic growth," he said.

Najib cited several initiatives undertaken by Pemudah in facilitating business, among others, included the mandatory online incorporation for a business allowing the name search and application for registration process to be done online, all within a day.

Others include the reformed processes for the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) construction permits which had been reduced from 15 to nine, and the launch of the Kuala Lumpur Integrated Submission Be Efficient, Systematic and Transport (KLIS BEST) system by DBKL in simplifying development approvals, he said.

The commitment by ministries and agencies to the Good Regulatory Practice had also gaining traction, with the take up of regulatory impact analyses (RIA) projects had been very encouraging, which totaled 30 at the end of last year, he said.

The prime minister also reminded that Malaysia was beginning the last lap in its journey to become a high-income status nation by 2020, with challenges that grew larger in a globalised and hyper-connected world.

Among the challenges, Najib cited the volatile price of commodities, the crisis within the Eurozone, shifting international balances of power, the spread of terrorism, and climate change, are just some of the threats faced today.

"Clearly, there is no room for complacency if we are to deliver on our promise of a peaceful, prosperous and progressive Malaysia for the generations yet to come," he said.

Najib also expressed his confidence that all Malaysians were up to this challenge.

"Our track record demonstrates that we can and will overcome whatever hurdles are placed in our path," he said.