KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's neutrality and openness to work with all parties make the nation a natural hub for investors, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister said that these were among the factors which led to economic success for the nation last year.
"In 2024, Malaysia successfully tamed inflation, reduced unemployment and stabilised our currency.
"We have had record highs in job creation but also the best performing stock market in Asean.
"Internationally, our foreign direct investments are historic and are region-leading in the areas of semiconductors and data centres," he said in his keynote address when launching the Malaysia Economic Forum 2025 here on Thursday (Jan 9).
This, he said, was achieved by the unity government which had sought economic legitimacy through political stability after coming into power in 2022.
On Malaysia's roadmap for 2025, Anwar said that it will capitalise on the country's geographical centrality as a conduit for electricity, talent and supply chain diversification.
"At the same time, we want to refine our expertise in oil and gas, semiconductor and Islamic finance so we can be global market leaders in each field.
"It’s our neutrality and openness for partnership that make us a natural hub for all,” he added.
On Malaysia's chairmanship of Asean, Anwar said that it comes at an opportune time.
He noted that this comes in light of the changing global economic landscape due to a move by the superpowers towards economic isolationism and protectionism.
"We are seeing a divergence opening.
"And that is the rare opportunity to recalibrate policy positions
toward economic pluralism, cooperation across multilateral platforms, and decisions infused with a moral conscience," he said.
As Asia becomes the centre of the global economy, Anwar said that Asean is projected to be the fourth largest economic bloc in the world.
"The lion’s share of global growth will stem from a combination of Asean, India and China," he added.
He said that Malaysia must take the lead in charting a path forward.
"A shifting world economic order, an empowered Asean, and a stable Malaysia means we are no longer satisfied with playing the spectator.
"We must therefore take up the mantle to chart the path forward in three leadership domains," he said.
Leadership is demonstrated across three areas: strategic (society), team (group), and personal (individual) leadership.
