KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia needs to remain open to a broader range of international trade agreements beyond its traditional markets, particularly the United States and China, to support the stability and further strengthening of the ringgit.
Centre for Market Education chief executive officer Carmelo Ferlito said the government should continue to push for international free trade agreements as they would benefit the public.
“This is an important factor where Malaysia needs to be even more aggressive, understanding that free trade is beneficial first and foremost for the population,” he said on Bernama World yesterday.
Ferlito agreed that the government was on the right track, but believed that more can be done, particularly in rationalising public spending.
While some measures had already been taken on the revenue side, he noted that fiscal discipline would be the key where the government builds its credibility.
He also said that the recent government reshuffle had played a role in building confidence, with some key positions being filled by individuals viewed positively by the investment community. — Bernama
