Economic issues: Anwar (centre), Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (left) and Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli attending the Malaysia Economic Forum 2025 in Kuala Lumpur. — Bloomberg
KUALA LUMPUR: Continued debates on trivial issues will only threaten and weaken the nation, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister said such unnecessary discourse will not resolve the real issues the country is facing.
“This kind of talk will not bring growth and success. It will not help position Malaysia as an important player in the region.
“We must work together as a great team, as Malaysians from all regions, states and all communities,” he said in his keynote address at the Malaysia Economic Forum 2025.
The Prime Minister said such discourse would deflect efforts to resolve pressing issues faced by the people.
“Although some may find it exciting, the fact is that it does not resolve issues that we face,” he added.
Anwar said at present, Malaysia has the opportunity to better manage its economy.
“This is our best chance to manage the economy well and focus on our work on the best mediums to bring change and adaptation,” he said.
The Prime Minister said Malaysia’s neutrality and openness for partnership has made the country a “natural hub”, attributing these elements as among the factors that led to economic success last year.
“In 2024, Malaysia successfully tamed inflation, reduced unemployment and stabilised our currency. We have had record highs in job creation and also the best performing stock market in Asean.
“Internationally, our foreign direct investments are historic and are region-leading in the areas of semiconductors and data centres,” he added.
On Malaysia’s economic roadmap for 2025, Anwar said it will capitalise on the country’s geographical centrality as a conduit for electricity, talent and supply chain diversification.
“At the same time, we want to refine our expertise in oil and gas, semiconductor and Islamic finance so we can be global market leaders in each field,” he said.
On Malaysia’s Asean chairmanship, he said that it comes at an opportune time, in light of the changing global economic landscape due to a move by the superpowers towards economic isolationism.
“We are seeing a divergence opening. This is a rare opportunity to recalibrate policy positions towards economic pluralism, cooperation across multilateral platforms and decisions infused with a moral conscience,” he said.
As Asia becomes the centre of the global economy, Anwar said Asean is projected to be the fourth largest economic bloc in the world.
“The lion’s share of global growth will stem from a combination of Asean, India and China.
“Malaysia must take the lead in charting a path forward. A shifting world economic order, an empowered Asean and a stable Malaysia means we are no longer satisfied with playing the spectator.
“We must therefore take up the mantle to chart the path forward,” he said.
