‘Govt emphasises people’s well-being’

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s favourable economic performance in the first six months of the year proves that the government is giving priority to projects related to people’s wellbeing, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said.

He said Bank Negara Malaysia’s reserves exceeded RM100 billion, while international bodies and financial analysts forecast that the economy was on track to achieving higher economic growth than before.

“Consumer sentiment is more positive.

“This means the country’s transformation policy and the emphasis on projects like the MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) have received positive feedback,” he said after chairing the Umno supreme council meeting here yesterday.

Malaysia’s economy recorded robust expansion in the second quarter of the year, recording a 5.8 per cent growth in gross domestic product and 5.7 per cent for the first half of the year.

Commenting on his upcoming meeting with United States President Donald Trump on Sept 12, Najib said trade issues would be one of the main topics to be discussed.

“I will hold a press conference before I go because I’m in the process of having internal discussions.

“One of the main topics will be our fight against extremism, Islamic State group, militancy, the role Malaysia (needs) to play in making Southeast Asia a zone of peace, harmony.

“And also some trade issues and how we can improve economic relations with the US,” he said.

Consumer sentiment is more positive. This means the country’s transformation policy and the emphasis on projects like the MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) have received positive feedback. Bernama