Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in his new year’s speech expressed hope that 2024 will usher in a brighter future for the people, with the Unity Government focusing on economic development to ensure their well-being.
Anwar, who is also finance minister, said efforts to spur national economic growth would remain the focus of the government to ease the people’s burden in various aspects like inflation and cost of living, apart from ensuring quality education and healthcare.
In this regard, Anwar urged Cabinet ministers, senior officers, enforcement agencies, security bodies, civil servants and the private sector to intensify efforts to turn Malaysia into a great country in the region.
“As we draw the curtain on 2023, it is appropriate for me to start by giving a summary of what has been announced to the public, that our economic growth has been maintained at four per cent.
“This is among the best, but there are other blessings and successes, including the reduction of inflation to below two per cent and drop in the unemployment rate to a very low level,” he said in a video shared on his Facebook tonight.
However, he does not want to get carried away by figures and data as the real measurement lies in the people’s well-being, welfare and prosperity, and cost of living, an issue still being addressed.
The prime minister said there should be full focus on efforts to drive economic growth, and this calls for improving governance among the leadership and civil service.
At the same time, he expressed appreciation to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, Royal Malaysia Police, Royal Malaysian Customs and Inland Revenue Board for discharging their duties effectively.
He said to ensure every government policy could be implemented more effectively, old service delivery methods should be improved upon, including speeding up the approval process at every department as if they are facing security issues and emergencies.
“Only through this method can we drive the economy and make the country competitive,” he added.
In his New Year message, Anwar also said the question of unity and security for the people remains a challenge, which demands priority attention, including ensuring that Federal Constitution provisions on the position of Islam, sovereignty of the Malay rulers, Bumiputera privileges and Bahasa Melayu are not disturbed.
“The spirit of unity to embrace the people of various races and religions is a core duty which cannot be denied or trivialised. If this can be achieved, we can move away from the endless cycle of petty issues,” he said.
Anwar said throughout the year, the Unity Government had managed to work as a team due to the political stability recently achieved in the country after several years of uncertainty.
“With the benefit of the views, advice and guidance of Their Royal Highnesses the Malay rulers, especially the decision and wisdom of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, we have prevailed (overcome all challenges).
“With strength and stability we have worked as a team and tackled basic issues for the sake of the people and country,” he said.
