KUALA LUMPUR – Pointless continuous debates on trivial matters will not help the nation achieve its goals as a key player in the Southeast Asia region, warned Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Without going into specifics, the prime minister stressed that while such “deflections” could be considered “interesting” for certain quarters, the nation’s success must be prioritised through comprehensive cooperation amongst all related agencies.
“Continued debates (and) lamentations on unnecessary issues…do not resolve issues we face (and) will not ensure our growth and success at ensuring Malaysia remains an important player in the region.
“(Instead), we must work tighter as a great team of Malaysians from all regions, states and communities,” Anwar said in his opening address at the Malaysian Economic Forum 2025 held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre today.
Anwar also noted that efforts to uplift the nation’s economic status cannot be put on hold any longer, nor should it be affected by discussions on “minor issues” which will only weaken and threaten the country’s strengths.
Urging all parties to focus on their respective tasks while setting a mindset open to criticism for the sake of improvements, Anwar, who is also the finance minister, added that the government should not be afraid of admitting its shortcomings.
“We listen, engage and make the necessary adjustments for our flaws because we don’t claim that the government knows best.
“But, once a decision is made, we must have the political resolve, spirit and commitment to implement it to the best of our abilities,” he said.
Besides that, Anwar assured that Malaysia’s commendable success in achieving key milestones over the past year will not cause the government to take a laid-back approach in tackling future targets.
He highlighted that in 2024, Malaysia successfully tamed inflation, reduced unemployment and stabilised the ringgit while recording highs in job creation and the best-performing stock market in Asean.
“Internationally, our foreign direct investments are historic and region-leading in the semiconductor and data centre areas.
“But, we’re not here to promote a culture of contentment or complacency. There is always room for improvement, and the room is big,” Anwar said.
Commenting on matters with regional neighbours, he said Malaysia remains committed to strengthening bilateral ties with Indonesia, particularly through collaborations between sovereign wealth fund Khazanah Nasional Bhd and the republic’s leading corporations in the digital field to advance digital transformations.
He also noted that Japan Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is expected to visit Malaysia tomorrow, during which discussions will be held on trade and investment issues as well as a new critical agenda on energy transformation.
“(The agenda) will be based on the Sarawak Premier (Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg) together with Petros (Petroleum Sarawak Bhd) in collaboration with Petronas (Petroliam Nasional Bhd). We hope that the discussion will contribute to establishing Malaysia, particularly Sarawak’s, position as a regional energy hub.” – January 9, 2024