Working together: Anwar taking a photo during the Madani Economy roadshow at UTM in Johor. With him are (from left) Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul, Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh and Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli. — THOMAS YONG/The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is on the right track and its achievements are due to the government’s bravery in making difficult decisions to carry out reforms, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
If Malaysians remain united, we can achieve greater heights together as a nation, he added.
“Believe me, if we work hard, prevent corruption, and ensure our children get the best education, then Malaysia can become a great country,” the Prime Minister said during the closing ceremony of the three-day Southern Zone Madani Rakyat 2024 programme in Skudai, Johor, yesterday.
At the event, the Finance Ministry released the 42-page Madani Economy one-year report, which highlighted the unity government’s achievements.
In his speech, Anwar credited the country’s economic growth of 5.9% to the government’s initiatives under the Madani Economy Framework.
He added that the report is a way to highlight the government’s achievements and initiatives to address national issues.
The Madani Economy Framework was released on July 27 last year to elevate the nation’s status and dignity by setting seven key performance indicators as medium-term targets to be achieved within 10 years.
Among the highlights of the report released yesterday were the 9.4% increase in median wages to RM2,844 from RM2,600 in the informal sector and low unemployment rate of 3.3%.
It also stated the ringgit’s strongest performance in 16 months and 5.9% GDP increase in the second quarter of this year compared to 2.8% in the same period last year.
In the National Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP), investments in the manufacturing sector has risen to RM151.97bil.
The report also highlighted significant investments such as Infineon Technologies AG’s plans to build a RM35bil factory in Kedah, and pledges by six government-linked investment companies (GLICs) to invest RM120bil in domestic direct investment over the next five years.
Microsoft Corp also has committed to invest RM10.5bil to develop cloud systems and artificial intelligence (AI) in Malaysia, said the report.
The report highlighted the government’s efforts in improving the welfare of Malaysians.
Among them were the increase of the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah to RM3,700 from RM2,500; the introduction of a RM1,200 aid under Sumbangan Asas Rahmah; electricity subsidies for the poor and the Rahmah Sales where RM200mil was allocated for that purpose.
For schoolchildren, they will get Early Schooling Aid (BAP) of RM150; free rail passes for school-going children and persons with disabilities; RM1,100 allowance for Kafa religious teachers, and a special RM700 aid for imam, bilal, siak and religious teachers.
Monsoon aid for farmers was increased from RM600 to RM800, and RM200 special Aidilfitri assistance for padi farmers, fishermen and planters.
