Strong Economic Growth Reflects Success Of Collective Efforts - Anwar

PUTRAJAYA, Jan 3 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim expressed his gratitude for the country’s strong economic performance, thanks to the combined efforts of the leadership team and civil servants at every level.

He highlighted that this success is a testament to the hard work and sacrifices of all involved, from senior management to those on the ground.

“We must acknowledge the contributions of everyone, including those at the borders, at the frontlines, and non-uniformed personnel. This is a shared success, not the achievement of any one party,” he said when addressing the monthly assembly of the Prime Minister's Department here today.

Also present were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar.

Based on the impressive performance in 2024, economists are reportedly forecasting that Malaysia’s economy will continue to grow positively in 2025, with gross domestic product (GDP) projected to reach up to 6.0 per cent.

The Prime Minister recently said that Malaysia’s GDP is on track to grow between 4.8 per cent and 5.3 per cent, driven by increased household spending.

Malaysia’s GDP grew 4.2 per cent, 5.9 per cent and 5.3 per cent in the first, second, and third quarters of 2024, respectively.

The country’s GDP growth for the first nine months of 2024 was 5.2 per cent, up from 3.8 per cent in the same period in 2023.

Anwar also stressed the importance of reducing the income gap among civil servants, describing the changes to the Public Service Remuneration Scheme (SSPA) as a significant step towards economic justice.

“The significant (salary) increases reflect true fairness. The percentage increase may not always show the real impact, but this income boost is much fairer,” he said.

Anwar added that this approach is also being extended to government-linked companies (GLCs) and government-linked investment companies (GLICs), while urging private companies that make large profits to provide fairer wages to their employees.

“The Malaysia MADANI framework emphasises universal justice, where the success of the nation is measured not only in economic terms but also in ethics, morals, and good governance.

“Our civil service must be a model of an ethical and responsible community. The success of this country cannot rely on a culture of complacency; it requires continuous effort to strengthen our position as a great nation,” he said.

-- BERNAMA