PUTRAJAYA: Various positive indicators have fostered confidence in the national growth outlook, including the recovery of the ringgit, manageable inflation, and low unemployment, says Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan.
In a social media post on Saturday (Dec 14), the Finance Minister II also spotlighted Malaysia's strong growth trajectory, with the 2024 gross domestic product (GDP) anticipated to exceed 5%. Furthermore, the fiscal deficit is projected to decline to 4.3% of GDP this year.
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"Total approved investment increased by 10.7% to RM254.7bil for January-September 2024 compared to the same period in 2023," he said.
Thursday (Dec 12) marked one year since Amir Hamzah's appointment as Finance Minister II.
In this role, his primary focus is implementing initiatives in line with the Madani Economy framework.
These include restructuring the economy by expanding national revenue, safeguarding people's well-being in a fair and inclusive manner, and supporting robust governance.
"For me, governance is the line separating falsehood and success. Balancing between fiscal expansion and the people's welfare taps into all the experience and knowledge I have gained in the corporate sector over the last 27 years," he said.
Amir Hamzah expressed gratitude that Budget 2025 is driving the Madani Economy framework, which embodies a humanitarian agenda.
"More comprehensive and focused aid programmes are being provided to ensure that no one is left behind amid the national development progress," he said.
On the Supply Bill 2025 (Budget 2025) approved by the Dewan Negara on Thursday, he said the next step is implementing the budget amidst geopolitical challenges and market uncertainty.
"Nevertheless, we are determined to continue safeguarding the country's economic resilience. Various proactive measures have been taken to enhance the nation's competitiveness at the international level while ensuring domestic financial stability," he said.
Budget 2025, tabled by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Oct 18, involves an allocation of RM421bil, making it the largest budget in Malaysia's history. – Bernama
