KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is set to remain on a positive growth trajectory, but its benefits must be felt in households, workplaces and in easing the cost-of-living pressures faced by ordinary families, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister said that the country now stands on firmer ground with its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) on track to grow by around 4.9% in 2025, while inflation has been contained at 1.6%.
"One visible signal of renewed confidence is the strengthening of the ringgit.
"But let us be clear, numbers alone do not define success. Markets may respond to data, but the rakyat judge by experience.
"Growth must be felt in homes, in workplaces, and in the cost of living faced by ordinary families. Otherwise, it will remain hollow," he said in his speech at the Malaysia Economy Forum 2026, here on Thursday (Feb 5).
Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, said the trust has been rebuilt because that the federal government had taken a clear, principled and uncompromising stand on governance.
"There will be no tolerance for corruption and no exceptions for the well-connected.
"Without accountability, there can no credibility. Without credibility, there can be no sustainable growth," he added.
Anwar said that this position is not a campaign for headlines nor a passing phase.
"It is a recognition that lasting confidence depends on the certainty that the law applies equally to all," he said.
Anwar said when enforcement is consistent, trust can be restored and institutions regain their authority.
"And yet, enforcement alone is not enough, that is why institutional reforms continues, without pause and without apology.
"We are strengthening institutions so that integrity does not depend on personalities but on systems
"Rules must outlast individuals and reforms must endure political cycles," said the Prime Minister.
