He said the evidence can be seen in the ringgit's improved performance, the phenomenal increase in investments and the positive trajectory of our economic growth. "Let me take a moment to thank our investment community, both foreign and domestic, for their faith, trust, and confidence in Malaysia's economy, our governance, our rule of law and our political stability," he said in his speech at the launching of the Khazanah Megatrend Forum 2024 here today.
He reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring Malaysia thrives in this global environment, adding that the nation's response must be holistic, coordinated, and, above all, focused on the long term wellbeing of the nation. "The MADANI Economy framework I introduced last year outlines how Malaysia can prepare for an increasingly dynamic and complex global economy," Anwar said.
"Those tasked with implementing government policies must therefore adhere to the highest standards of responsibility, transparency and accountability.
"We will not compromise on our firm, decisive and proactive actions and campaigns against corruption and abuse of power," he said.
Anwar, who is also Khazanah Chairman, emphasised that structural reforms must also mean the courage of conviction and the fortitude of commitment to take action against the crooks, the unscrupulous profiteers, and the nefarious power abusers without fear or favour.
"In this regard, rather than playing to the gallery of populist demand, responsible governance warrants that we must sometimes take the bull by the horns.
"Which is exactly what the government did last May when we decided to implement the diesel subsidy rationalisation plan," he said.
Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, emphasised that unlike previous governments which were often stuck in inaction, the current administration had to summon firm political courage to make decisive moves even at the risk of facing unpopularity.
He said if the government had chosen to play safe and do nothing, knowing that the continued situation would only take Malaysia on the road to bankruptcy, then that would be dereliction of the moral duty of good and responsible governance.
"But did we take this action, including implementing electricity tariff adjustments, and floating prices of certain essentials in order to inflict pain and suffering on the rakyat? Certainly not.
"On the contrary, while the majority of the people would continue to enjoy the subsidies they deserve to have, the wealthy and the big industries must pay what they ought to," he said.
-- BERNAMA
