Ismail Sabri slams critics, says things have improved considerably

SUNGAI SIPUT: Things have improved a lot since the change in leadership in the government, says Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

The caretaker Prime Minister said since he took over, the economy, Covid-19 cases and unemployment rate had gotten better.

"The gross domestic product (GDP) went up every quarter.

"In the first quarter, it was about 5%, second quarter was 8.9%. It is among the highest in the region," he said in a press conference after attending the Keluarga Felda Lasah programme here on Tuesday (Nov 15).

"The latest (figure in the) third quarter was 14.2%, which is the highest in South-East Asia," he said, adding that foreign direct investments, trade and wholesales have all also improved.

"So who has failed now? Numbers don't lie. It is clear that we are successful," he added.

Several Pakatan Harapan leaders, including PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, had claimed that the government led by Ismail Sabri had failed to manage the country.

Ismail Sabri also said the unemployment rate had improved.

"From 5%, the unemployment rate is now at about 3.6%. Rates that are 4% and below are considered acceptable.

"Every month, we manage to lessen unemployment," he added.

Ismail Sabri slammed his detractors for making such accusations and criticisms.

"They play politics all the time, while we work, so that's why they allege this and that. We work for the benefit of the people.

"They cannot accept our successes. Show your numbers to say I have failed, as I have already shown mine," he added.

Ismail Sabri also said that Covid-19 cases had also dropped significantly since he became the Prime Minister.

"When I took over from the Perikatan Nasional chairman, there were about 24,000 cases, which was the highest in the country.

"Hundreds died while the intensive care unit (ICU) beds were almost not enough," he said.

"After a few months (since I took over), Covid-19 cases dropped.

"Our vaccination programme is one of the best in the world, and among the countries with the highest vaccination rate in the world.

"By April, we opened our border and our economy is improving," he added.