BANGI: The government is prioritising measures to address the cost of living and enhance the business climate, so that economic stability delivers tangible benefits for the people, says Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil.
He said the focus was not only on keeping the national economy on track but also on addressing everyday challenges faced by Malaysians, following 38 months of political and administrative stability under the current administration.
“The priority is not only to ensure that the national economy continues to be on the right track but also to address issues faced by the people, particularly the cost of living and the ease of doing business.
“Making it easier for business activities to be carried out has become a key focus,” he said during a press conference yesterday.
He added that government communication plays a crucial role in ensuring that the so-called “stability dividend”, resulting from sustained political stability, is clearly felt by the public.
Fahmi pointed to positive economic indicators, including a stronger ringgit, rising investment levels and unemployment at its lowest rate in 14 years, as evidence that the country is moving in the right direction.
“We also discussed the need to ensure that the outcomes of policies that have strengthened the economy are ultimately translated into real benefits and returned to the people,” he said.
Fahmi was speaking to reporters after the 2026 Madani Government Retreat, a one-and-a-half-day Cabinet offsite gathering which he described as unprecedented in scale and significance.
The retreat was attended by all Cabinet ministers, Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, as well as the mentris besar and chief ministers from unity state governments nationwide, except Johor, whose mentri besar was unable to attend.
Fahmi, who is also government spokesman, said that discussions on policy implementation, government communication and ministerial performance were conducted in an open and productive manner.
Following the retreat, Fahmi said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had directed that the outcomes of the discussions be translated into a series of programmes to be implemented in the near term.
“This instils confidence in Cabinet members that the direction of the Madani government for the remaining period of less than two years is very clear, highly focused and will prioritise outcomes for the people,” he said, adding that the details of the programmes would be announced after Cabinet approval.
Meanwhile, Fahmi said Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin is expected to issue a statement today regarding issues related to defence procurement.
He added that the matter had been conveyed to the Cabinet and that clarification would come from the Defence Ministry.
The remarks come amid an ongoing investigation by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission into alleged corruption involving army procurement.
Meanwhile, Fahmi said the Cabinet had discussed, in general terms, the importance of timely and accurate communication to prevent misinformation or damaging perceptions.
“We looked at matters in a broad sense, not focusing on any single issue in particular.
“What was emphasised was the importance of leadership, especially among Cabinet members, to ensure that accurate information is conveyed promptly,” he said, adding that ministers understood the principles needed to address issues comprehensively.
