KUALA LUMPUR: The country's economy has been growing at a rapid pace, despite what naysayers say, according to Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak (pic).
The caretaker Prime Minister cited the examples of the World Bank's recent revision of its rating on Malaysia's 2018 Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth from 5.2% to 5.4%, and the A ratings given by Moody's, Standard and Poor's, and Fitch for Malaysia for 2017.
He said this was proof that the country was doing well economically.
"Only a few countries in the world can receive an A rating internationally, and we are among them," he said in his speech during the launch of the MyApprenticeship programme at Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC) here Friday (April 20).
"All these examples dispute and reject the claims by the Opposition that Malaysia is a bankrupt nation or a failed state that needs saving," he added.
"Instead, we need to save our country from falling into the hands of those naysayers," he said.
He said that Malaysians should be proud that the growth of the country was holistic and inclusive.
On the MyApprenticeship programme, Najib said that it will provide holistic training for youths, and equip them with skills to help them in the changing landscape of the working world.
"I am confident that this (programme) will also bring benefits to them (the companies providing internships)," he said.
He added that the lack of skilled workers can dampen the growth of companies in the country.
"If the water supply keeps being disrupted in Selangor, that also puts a constraint on the growth of companies," he said, taking a dig at the recent water supply disruption in the state.
Najib also announced a double tax deduction for the companies involved in the MyApprenticeship programme.
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