Tuesday, May 29, 2012

'Opposition will not implement policy promises'



Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak today expressed "serious doubts" over the opposition's elections plans.

NONESpeaking to business leaders at Invest Malaysia 2012, he said the "populist" approach only shows that Pakatan Rakyat are only interested in getting to office.

"I have very serious doubts. You are a discerning crowd ... Reducing the price of petrol overnight, no one in the world does that,” he noted in fielding questions from the floor.

"We are already spending RM2 billion a month on (petrol) subsidies and if we push it to RM3 billion or RM4 billion, what will it do to our finances?"

He said Pakatan’s promises of free education and a higher minimum wage "are far too far- fetched" and a stark difference to what the BN is offering.

This, he said, is why the BN will need to secure a decisive victory in the next polls.

"We have a comprehensive, cohesive, credible and realistic programme and roadmap to get Malaysia to be a high income nation. But all that we have in mind is predicated on a strong mandate from the people," he said. 

New incentives

To another question, the PM said that, despite its faults, Malaysia remains a good country in which to live and do business as it has a "good mix" of lifestyles, approaches and ideologies. 

azlanHe also urged local business owners to be more competitive and self-reliant.

"We need more competition (but) not in the form of cheap labour. Relying on cheap labour and cheap gas is not the goal (of the government)," he said.

In his keynote speech, Najib said the government is committed to ensure the fiscal health of the economy. 

"We will ensure the debt limit will not exceed 55 percent of the GDP and are taking steps to bring down our fiscal deficit which was 4.8 percent last year," he said.
He also announced several initiatives, including a task force of the capital market and double tax-breaks for companies that participate in the 1Malaysia Training Scheme.

The same incentives will be extended to companies that re-train and employ women who have taken career breaks. 

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