JOHOR BAHRU: Malaysia must enhance its economic foundation and strengthen its resilience to shield the nation from the ripple effects of external forces, including geopolitical tensions, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He said while the government's MADANI Economic Framework is carefully designed to ensure the smooth execution of its plans, some exposure to global factors remains unavoidable.
"We couldn't have predicted the geopolitical shifts in the Middle East or the political changes unfolding worldwide.
"That's why reinforcing our domestic and internal strength is critical. This is our top priority, and it's essential that the people understand this,” said Anwar.
He emphasised that building internal resilience requires commitment from leaders, civil servants, the private sector, and the public.
"If we have a strong domestic foundation, the impact from external pressures will be more manageable," he said during a dialogue and forum on "A Year of MADANI Economic Achievements" at the Southern Zone MADANI Rakyat 2024 programme here today.
Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, highlighted that the ongoing efforts to strengthen the economy resulted in an economic growth of 5.9 per cent in the second quarter of 2024, surpassing earlier forecasts. - Bernama
