We must keep raising the bar, says PM

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia must keep raising the bar higher for the country to stay ahead and create more success stories, says Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

The Prime Minister said Malaysians must be convinced that the country can leap further ahead.

“From now on, our achievements should be able to go beyond the usual or (in other words) we must always raise the bar high and continue to keep it that way for Malaysia.

“With that, Malaysia will eventually be known not only as a role model to Muslim countries but also as a reference to others as a highly respected high-income advanced economy,” Najib said in his congratulatory speech in conjunction with the birthday of Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Muhammad V.

The Prime Minister said Malaysia was on the right track to achieve the National Transformation 2050 (TN50) vision.

Najib expressed his joy as the country not only emerged as the overall champion in the 29th SEA Games and celebrated its 60th National Day, but was also celebrating His Majesty’s birthday.

“It appears that all Malaysians are presenting ‘gifts’ to Your Majesty, celebrating (and sharing) the good things in conjunction with Your Majesty’s birthday as the 15th Yang di-Pertuan Agong,” he said.

Najib said the victory of the Malaysian contingent at the SEA Games was its greatest achievement so far and hoped that more triumphs would follow at the Asean Para Games which begins here on Sept 17.

The Prime Minister said the Government would continue to prioritise people-oriented projects such as the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT), East Coast Rail Link, Pan-Borneo Highway and the High Speed Rail (from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore).

“Any kind of issue tied to the cost of living will certainly become the priority of Your Majesty’s Government,” he said.

Najib said that the country’s Gross Domestic Product which recorded a growth of 5.8% in the second quarter of this year was one of the highest in the world.

He said Bank Negara’s international reserves has also seen a continuous increase to RM431bil.

The Prime Minister said Malaysia received international accolades including from Forbes magazine which placed the country at the forefront among Asian nations for foreign investments.

International rating agency Fitch Ratings has meanwhile maintained Malaysia’s credit rating at A- with a stable outlook.

“What’s important is that all the facts and figures are not just for us to feel good about ourselves as is being suggested by irresponsible quarters.

“Clearly, these facts were validated by reputable bodies (or organisations),” he said.