Muhyiddin outlines five main priorities for 2021

PETALING JAYA: The nation will give priority to five areas as it takes on Covid-19 while also nourishing the economy, says Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin (pic).

In his New Year address broadcast yesterday evening, he said the first priority was uplifting public health through the acquisition of Covid-19 vaccines and the implementation of a nationwide vaccination programme.

He said the Health Ministry, the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry and Wisma Putra had created a vaccine supply portfolio and inked several deals with Covid-19 vaccine bodies and companies to acquire vaccines for Malaysians as soon as possible.

“The government will ensure efficient, safe and adequate vaccine supplies for at least 80% of the population, and this vaccine will be given free to citizens, ” he said, adding that the National Covid-19 Immunisation plan would be implemented by the Health Ministry in three phases beginning in February.

“The frontliners and I will be among the first to receive the vaccine in order to prove that it is safe and effective, God willing, ” he said, adding that those in high-risk groups such as senior citizens and patients with chronic ailments would be given priority.

He stressed that the effectiveness and safety of the vaccine would be monitored by the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency.

“I would also like to remind that the vaccination programme is just a preventive step, and the SOP (standard operating procedure) must still be abided by at all times, ” he said.

The second priority is to strengthen the economy and accelerate post-Covid-19 economic growth by implementing Budget 2021 and the 12th Malaysia Plan.

He pointed out that Budget 2021, which is worth RM322.5bil and is the biggest federal expenditure in the nation’s history, was a critical measure to ensure recovery.

“The government will continue to develop social security networks such as direct cash aid in the form of Bantuan Prihatin Rakyat, the insurance protection scheme for the B40, and strengthening of the national welfare system.

“The Perikatan Nasional government will continue to strengthen the national agenda of eliminating poverty without taking into account race and religion, ” he said.

The government’s third area of focus is to ensure stability in politics, governance and administration as it is the foundation of economic recovery.

Muhyiddin urged leaders from across the political divide to display qualities such as being responsible and to refrain from any action that could threaten political stability.

“At this time, it is good if we can set aside politics and unite for the people. We need to fight this pandemic together as patriotic Malaysians, ” Muhyiddin said, adding that he was confident that political stability and good administration would foster a conducive investment ecosystem.

The fourth priority is to ensure the nation’s sovereignty is upheld and that Malaysia’s position in the global arena is strengthened.

“Malaysia wants to take the opportunity created from the disruption caused by Covid-19 on the global order to play a more active role on the international stage and showcase its leadership.

“It’s time for Malaysia to emerge as a respected power that courageously and consistently fights for mutual prosperity and peace, ” he said.

The fifth emphasis, which is to enhance harmony among Malaysians, is based on the belief that unity is the key to the country’s success.

“I would like to stress that the government will not hesitate to take action against anyone who disobeys and continues to inflame the hate between the different religious and ethnic groups, what more in dis-

respecting the constitutional monarchy, ” he said.

He said the five priorities listed were in line with the government’s long-term vision under the Shared Prosperity Vision 2030, adding that despite the hardships of 2020, Malaysians could still be thankful for many blessings.

Following the huge economic loss of RM2.4bil per day when the movement control order was first put into place, he said the government had to implement an approach in managing the pandemic which ensured that the rakyat was safe while the economy continued to run.Pointing to the record high of 2,525 new Covid-19 cases yesterday, Muhyiddin said the government had relaxed some restrictions provided that the people continued to follow the SOP.

He thanked Malaysians for having largely shown a positive attitude and resilience, adding that there were still many success stories and achievements, such as the various stimulus packages.