The private sector was left in little doubt as to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's message at the NEAC Dialogue Forum yesterday. The civil service would be reformed to be far more efficient and to give its fullest assistance to the private sector, which in turn has to buck up and become more competitive, and resume its role as the main engine of economic growth.
Abdullah spoke on numerous issues affecting businesses and touched on some government proposals to ensure greater transparency and accountability.
Captains of industries applauded the initiatives, many commenting that the moves to ensure productivity-led growth were in the right direction, and should lead to overall improvement by corporates.
Arab Malaysian Investment Forum chairman Ihsan Al Shaikh was sufficiently impressed with the dialogue. He said he would be leading a 300-strong delegation of investors from eight Arab Gulf states to visit Malaysia in June to look at the investment opportunities available in the country.
Below is a cross section of views by the business community.
Abdullah spoke on numerous issues affecting businesses and touched on some government proposals to ensure greater transparency and accountability.
Win a prize this Mother's Day by subscribing to our annual plan now! T&C applies.
