‘International businesses have great confidence in our economy’

LANGKAWI: International businesses have shown great confidence in Malaysia’s economy ever since the government implemented its National Transformation Programme, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said yesterday.

He said a lot had been accomplished ever since the government he helmed initiated the NTP which had enabled the country to register positive economic results that convinced numerous business entities around the world.

“They (international businesses) know that the Gross National Income (GNI) had gone up by over 50 per cent.

“They know that nearly 2.7 million jobs have been created. They know that the fiscal deficit had been narrowed to three per cent in 2017, down from 6.7 per cent in 2009,” he said.

Najib disclosed this information when opening the RitzCarlton, Langkawi, a five- star international resort here.

He said the opening of the resort was the latest example of the continued confidence shown by international business entities in the country’s economy.

Najib said the government he led had always had the interests of all Malaysians at heart as the economic growth the country enjoyed was inclusive and sustainable with no one left behind.

He said he had charted a massive economic plan for the country to pave the way for its people to enjoy a higher income.

“That is why I am looking forward to more investments, not only in Langkawi but also in other parts of Malaysia,” he said.

He said he agreed with the idea of creating more outlets for premium shopping on the island and called on industry players and investors to work together with him to realise that.

“We would continue to develop Langkawi … but, of course, the success of our plan would depend on what is going to happen over the next few days,” he said in jest, referring to the 14th General Election on May 9. — Bernama