MALAYSIA will need to seek solace in its domestic sources for growth this year in view of uncertainty in the external demand outlook due to the prospects of a prolonged Iraqi war, possible retaliatory attacks and rapid spread of the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).
In view of the heightened uncertainties, economists contacted by Star Biz concurred that economic growth would need to be domestic- driven, unlike in the past decades when there was an over-reliance on external sector developments, foreign direct investments and international trade.