Malaysian Economy Still Strong

08 Feb 2013

Malaysia’s strong economy is reflected by the fact that in 2012, as many 800,000 jobs were created. Stating this here recently, Malaysia’s Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin pooh-poohed the claim of the opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's claims that the country’s government was bankrupt. Tan Sri Yassin said the charge was completely false because the economy was strong despite recession elsewhere in the world.

Admitting, however, that there was a lack of skilled workers, the Deputy Prime Minister said there was a need to bring in foreign workers to fill the gaps, especially in the plantation and manufacturing sectors. He was speaking at 1Malaysia People’s Banquet at Dewan Seri Melati, Beseri, near Pedang Besar.

Tan Sri Yassin further said in keeping the growth of the economy, there was a need to increase the minimum wages to 900 ringgit not including allowances and incentives. “We feel that's the amount needed to prevent people from being classified as poor,” he added.

Besides, the country is determined to develop the society. “Malaysia's economy is still growing, it's not contracting. We recorded a five percent growth last year," he continued.

With the country now focusing on value addition instead of exporting commodities, its development resolve is further strengthened.