Gov't not rushing to achieve developed nation status - Rafizi

He said that based on current projections, the country is now in a good position, attracting foreign investors and being seen as a strategic gateway to ASEAN.

"I don't think that the current government policy is focused on chasing developed nation status. It's just that if the recent impressive economic growth is maintained for the next few years, it will automatically make us a developed nation," he told reporters after an engagement session on the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) with the Kedah state government here today.

He was responding to a statement by economic analyst Dr Mohd Azwardi Md Isa, who recently said that the country should not rush to achieve developed nation status before successfully balancing several key factors that can serve as a true benchmark.

Rafizi further explained that Malaysia is an open trading nation, making it highly influenced by global events.

"For example, leadership changes in the White House have a significant impact on us. We must be aware that any global disruptions will affect our country.

"That's why the focus of the Ministry of Economy is not really to become a developed nation, but to build a strong infrastructure for our society and nation so that we can better handle the effects of what happens outside," he said.

Meanwhile, during the dialogue session, Rafizi emphasised that Kedah is one of the states that will continue to be a priority for the federal government.

He said the government had clearly stated that focus would be given to six states to ensure better allocation distribution, namely Sabah, Sarawak, Kelantan, Terengganu, Kedah and Perlis.

"The federal government remains committed to bringing prosperity to the people in Kedah, including improving connectivity between rural and urban areas," he said.

Rafizi said the federal, state and local governments must align their efforts to bridge the widening economic disparity between states.

Meanwhile, Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor, in his response, said the dialogue session was the best approach to involve the public in the planning process to ensure inclusiveness, taking into account the views of various groups.

"Although Kedah has shown promising investment achievements in recent years, this success needs to be consolidated in the future.

"The Kedah government aims to increase the state's contribution to the Gross Domestic Product to 10 per cent to ensure it is balanced and on par with more developed states," he said.

Muhammad Sanusi also expressed appreciation to the federal government for involving the state government in national development planning, especially through this engagement session.

-- BERNAMA