Najib aims for safer, prosperous, more equal Malaysia in 2015

Datuk Seri Najib Razak says he wants to narrow the gap between the rich and poor. – The Malaysian Insider file pic, December 31, 2014.

Datuk Seri Najib Razak hopes to build a safer, more prosperous, and more equal society next year, by focusing on the lives and needs of the people.

The prime minister, in his year-end message on his blog, www.najibrazak.com, said that in the months and years ahead, his focus would be on the “rakyat” (people).

"Although Malaysia’s economic performance has been exceptional, I know that people do not always feel they are getting their piece of our national success.

"So, alongside our efforts to strengthen our economy by raising incomes, reducing spending and boosting productivity, we will also work to reduce inequality by narrowing the gap between the rich and poor.”

Najib said he was confident that Malaysia’s economy would continue to grow, and bring more jobs and a better standard of living, because of the strong fundamentals, and clear and consistent government policy.

"Our economy is on track to grow by 5.7% this year and 4.7% in 2015. Our deficit is falling, our reserves are strong; we have trusted financial institutions, low unemployment, and record levels of foreign investment.

"Malaysia’s economy is well placed to weather any storm.”

Najib said Malaysia needed to be proactive to build a resilient economy that was prepared for any eventuality.

"With global events causing problems for many countries, I am pleased that we have already taken measures to protect our economy. Just last week, the World Bank confirmed that Malaysia remains in a strong position precisely because we acted to rationalise subsidies.”

He said the goods and services tax (GST), which would be introduced on April 1next year, would help strengthen the government finances so that Malaysia could continue productive expenditure on things like roads, schools and hospitals for the benefit of the people.

"And alongside the GST, we will continue the reforms to make our economy more competitive, which will bring more opportunities for our businesses and higher income for the people."

- TMI