Photo: Bernama
MELAKA: Malaysia's economic growth for the first quarter of this year has surpassed China and it is the best performing nation in Asia, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He said the reason behind the country’s sterling performance is the nation's peace and political stability, adding that this has allowed Malaysia to gain the trust of investors.
"Let’s not forget, if the country isn’t safe, investors will shun us. For example, Sudan and Pakistan do not receive any new investments (because of crises), but Malaysia gets new investments," he said.
Anwar said this in his speech at the Unity Hari Raya Madani gathering organised by the Prihatin Anak Melaka Association and police at Tanjung Minyak here on Tuesday (May 16).
The event was also attended by Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh and Deputy Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain.
Among the other guests of the event were Melaka housing and local government, climate change and disaster management committee chairman Datuk Rais Yasin, Melaka entrepreneur, cooperative development and consumer affairs committee chairman Allex Seah Shoo Chin, State MCA chief Datuk Lim Ban Hong and National Cancer Society of Malaysia’s managing director Dr M. Murallitharan.
Anwar said giant corporations like Geely, Amazon and Rongsheng Petrochemical Co Ltd are keen to invest in Malaysia, with a total investment amounting to billions of Ringgit.
"In the first quarter of 2023, our economic growth is the best in Asia, surpassing China, Indonesia and Vietnam.
"(Our) investment is the highest in Asean," he said.
Anwar also attributed the country’s success in attracting investors to the security forces who were always there ensuring peace and maintaining public order.
He said the contribution made by these security personnel, including the police and armed forces, should not be viewed lightly as they worked tirelessly to safeguard the country’s land and maritime borders.
"We do get new investments because the police are always there ensuring peace and maintaining public order," he said.
Hence, Anwar said he would continue to ensure that the country is cleansed of corruption although there are certain quarters accusing him of being vengeful.
