Najib aims for safer, prosperous, more equal Malaysia in 2015 – Bernama

Datuk Seri Najib Razak hopes to build a safer, more prosperous, and more equal society next year, by focusing on the lives and needs of the people.

The prime minister, in his year-end message on his blog, www.najibrazak.com, said that in the months and years ahead, his focus would be on the “rakyat” (people).

"Although Malaysia’s economic performance has been exceptional, I know that people do not always feel they are getting their piece of our national success.

"So, alongside our efforts to strengthen our economy by raising incomes, reducing spending and boosting productivity, we will also work to reduce inequality by narrowing the gap between the rich and poor.”

Najib said he was confident that Malaysia’s economy would continue to grow, and bring more jobs and a better standard of living, because of the strong fundamentals, and clear and consistent government policy.

"Our economy is on track to grow by 5.7% this year and 4.7% in 2015. Our deficit is falling, our reserves are strong; we have trusted financial institutions, low unemployment, and record levels of foreign investment.

"Malaysia’s economy is well placed to weather any storm.”

Najib said Malaysia needed to be proactive to build a resilient economy that was prepared for any eventuality.

"With global events causing problems for many countries, I am pleased that we have already taken measures to protect our economy. Just last week, the World Bank confirmed that Malaysia remains in a strong position precisely because we acted to rationalise subsidies.”

He said the goods and services tax (GST), which would be introduced on April 1next year, would help strengthen the government finances so that Malaysia could continue productive expenditure on things like roads, schools and hospitals for the benefit of the people.

"And alongside the GST, we will continue the reforms to make our economy more competitive, which will bring more opportunities for our businesses and higher income for the people."

To ensure the safety and security of Malaysians from the increasing threats of terrorism, the government introduced a new terrorism white paper and was also strengthening the country's cooperation with foreign intelligence agencies.

"My greatest responsibility as the prime minister is to ensure the safety and security of the Malaysian people. Our position is quite clear, we reject this so-called Islamic State. We reject this state defined by extremism. And we condemn the violence being committed in the name of Islam."

On the recent floods in several states, Najib said the government’s priority was to get help to people who needed it now, with the supplies and assistance for those who were stranded or displaced and financial support, so that people can get their lives back together.

Next year, he said, the government's priority was to rebuild the infrastructure, businesses and homes that were damaged in an environmentally friendly way so that future floods would not be more likely or more damaging.

Najib said Malaysia would play a much bigger role in the region and world affairs in 2015.

"Next year, we will chair Asean, as we prepare to launch the Asean Community.

"In 2015, under Malaysia’s chairmanship, we will lay the foundations for deeper regional integration. For the people of Asean, this will mean more opportunities with more jobs, and easier ways to do business.

"In 2015, we will also hold a non-permanent seat on the United Nations (UN) Security Council. Far from just a diplomatic badge of pride, this is a chance for Malaysia to state our support for key objectives, including a dignified and secure future for the Palestinian people and make a real contribution to global security problems.”

Najib described 2014 as the most challenging year of his career and one of the most difficult years in Malaysia’s history with the disappearance of Malaysia Airlines (MAS) flight MH370 and the destruction of MH17.

"2014 did bring prosperity for Malaysia, but it was also the year we were united in grief. I believe we will come out of these twin tragedies stronger and more determined.

"In mosques, churches and temples, in shopping malls and online, Malaysians responded to these tragedies as one. We have been tested by disaster, but the spirit of the nation remains strong."

On the AirAsia Indonesia flight QZ8501 tragedy, the prime minister said: "Our thoughts are with our brothers and sisters in Indonesia." – Bernama, December 31, 2014.