SUBANG JAYA: Malaysia’s economic progress hinges on raising the quality of development, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister said the government must “raise the ceiling” by driving investments in new industries and technologies, while at the same time “raising the floor” to ensure better salaries and inclusive growth for all.
Speaking at the launch of CelcomDigi’s CD:NXT initiative, Anwar said Malaysia must embrace emerging sectors such as digital transformation and renewable energy while addressing core industries including agriculture.
He pointed to major projects under way such as the Asean Power Grid, which will connect Vietnam to Kelantan and Singapore, as well as Sarawak to Peninsular Malaysia, southern Philippines and Indonesia.
“If we do not raise the ceiling and remain stagnant, the nation cannot be regarded as successful.
“Our children will not have access to better jobs, unemployment will rise and poverty will not be resolved,” he said in his speech on Tuesday (Aug 26).
Anwar stressed that private sector success must translate into public benefit.
“What does CelcomDigi’s success mean, or that of other giant companies, if it does not ensure that their achievements also benefit the wider rakyat?
“Training for our youth, developing their talents and skills, their intelligence and ability to explore new disciplines - this must be our focus,” he said.
He also congratulated CelcomDigi and Khazanah Nasional for investing in research, training and innovation, particularly through CD:NXT.
The Prime Minister also underscored the importance of clean and transparent governance.
“This country once inherited a culture of excess and abuse of power, where leaders enriched themselves under the guise of race or privilege. We must eradicate this.
“Without good governance, whether in government or companies, the nation cannot succeed,” he said.
On artificial intelligence (AI), Anwar cautioned against assuming technological adoption alone would increase productivity.
Referring to what he called the “Productivity Paradox,” he cited the computer era when expectations of a paperless environment instead resulted in greater bureaucracy.
“Introducing AI does not automatically mean higher productivity. That is why research and innovation are vital,” he said.
At the same time, Anwar urged Malaysians to master new technologies while staying grounded in national identity.
“We must reach for the skies with advanced technology, but remain rooted to the earth - to our language, culture, identity and the spirit of Malaysia,” he said.
