‘Projects for the people, not grandeur’

touch points that would be implemented throughout the year.

“We focus on touch point projects that the people are hoping for and ensure that these projects that touch the people’s hearts run smoothly.

“We have to ensure there is no leakage and to implement it with integrity and responsibility,” he added.

On the 2050 National Transformation (TN50), the prime minister outlined two goals, comprising medium-term and long-term initiatives that had to be achieved.

For the medium-term, he said it was to achieve the economic growth from RM1.3 trillion today to RM2 trillion.

“For the long-term, Malaysia has to be in the top 20 countries in the world in everything, including football,” he added.

Najib also pointed out that connectivity and high-impact infrastructure projects are implemented to help stimulate the country’s economy and not for grandeur.

Referring to projects like the Pan Borneo Expressway, Rapid Pengerang in Johor, Malaysia Vision Valley, Bandar Malaysia, Tun Razak Exchange, the East Coast Rail Line (ECRL) and the High Speed Rail (HSR), he said they were also not luxury projects.

“These projects are not for grandeur, not luxurious in nature, but to help generate the country’s economy.”

Najib said the projects were capable of creating high-paying jobs, as well as contract opportunities for local companies, including Class F contractors.

“This creates better connectivity and leads to an increase in the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).”

Citing the ECRL project, he said when completed, it is expected to increase the growth rate of the three states in the East Coast by 1.5%.

“This is the government’s commitment to infrastructure development, stimulating local economy and to provide a significant increase in the people’s lives.

“We provide a transport system which is affordable and the MRT system is wellreceived.

“Come July, the MRT project stretching 51km from Sungai Buloh to Kajang will be ready. This project is a game-changer for the country.”

As such, Najib emphasised the need for the projects to be carried out fast and efficiently, with high impact to the people, at minimum cost, with rapid execution and sustainability.

“These should be made the basis in determining whether a project can be implemented or otherwise,” he added. – Bernama