‘63PC GROWTH IN FDI REFLECTS INVESTOR CONFIDENCE’

Government policies driving nation’s economy on right track, says Najib

FERNANDO FONG KUALA LUMPUR kee.soon@nst.com.my

PRIME Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said foreign direct investment (FDI) in the country last year increased by 63.4 per cent from 2015, reflecting the confidence of foreign investors in the country’s economy.

Based on data from the Malaysian Investment Development Authority, he said Malaysia received RM59 billion in foreign direct investment last year compared with RM36 billion in 2015.

This brings last year’s total investment to RM207.9 billion.

“This increase shows the confidence of foreign investors in the country’s economy.

“It also shows that the government’s policies in charting the country’s economy are on the right track,” he said in an audio clip posted on his website, www.NajibRazak.com, yesterday.

He said the economic strength of a country could be measured by many aspects, including foreign direct investment, as it reflected the confidence foreign investors had in the country’s economy.

Najib, who is also finance minister, said it was not easy to attract foreign investors because of stiff competition among countries.

He said these figures indirectly debunked slanderous and malicious allegations that Malaysia would be bankrupt or become a failed state.

“If foreign investors are confident in the Malaysian economy, do we, as Malaysians, have any reason to deny this fact?

“The government will continue its efforts to grow the economy for the benefit of all citizens.

“Therefore, I hope Malaysians will continue to have faith in the government, as it will spur the government to continue strengthening the economy,” said Najib.