Najib: Strong inflow of foreign funds, powe ered by confidence in govt’s policies, has bolsteredd ringgit

PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak has listed factors that the people, especially civil servants, should keep in mind when they go to the ballot box.

He said the electorate should ask: who is able to lead the country? Who is able to uphold the people’s wellbeing? And who is forward-looking and able to build confidence?

“This year is an important year, as we will decide our future. When the time comes, one of the deciding factors is how well (the candidates) can lead.

“Others are the ability to build confidence, to uphold the people’s wellbeing and to be forwardlooking.

“These are the things that one must keep in mind,” he said at the monthly gathering of the Prime Minister’s Department.

Present were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Special Functions Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein and Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Dr Ali Hamsa.

Najib said the government’s report card for the past five years showed significant achievements.

“Based on the Implementation and Coordination Unit (ICU), we have achieved 97.6 per cent of what was targeted for the past five years.”

Najib said this was possible due to the symbiotic relationship between all quarters, which should be maintained.

“(Civil servants) are the backbone of the government. Everything that we have planned for the people will not be achievable without the support of all.”

He urged civil servants to find solutions to red tape, which could hinder results and lead to a failure to meet the people’s expectations.

He said the people had flourished under the government, with Malaysians being able to perform their religious duties in Mecca and shop abroad.

He questioned the claims of some that Malaysia was a failed state and bankrupt.

He said the government would implement a 2018 Budget that benefited everyone, citing income tax reduction of two per cent for middle-income earners.

Najib said 2018 would be the year of “success and impressive results”.

“I need your help in achieving this so that Malaysia can be stronger. I will work harder and my deputy will give his best.”