PETALING JAYA: Any stimulus or additional initiative for the people’s wellbeing must be more structured, implemented gradually and activated only when circumstances require it, says Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz.
The former investment, trade and industry minister said that while the impact on the people would not be felt all at once, it would become heavier if not managed properly.
“This is no longer business as usual. I agree with the Prime Minister’s (Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim) statement that the circumstances we face today have changed and will continue to be challenging for a longer period.
“Prolonged conflicts will place sustained pressure on energy costs and supply chains.
“We must ensure that we are able to respond swiftly when circumstances change and that we are prepared for more challenging possibilities.
“The next stimulus or additional initiative need not necessarily be large in scale, but it must be more structured, implemented gradually and activated when the situation requires,” he said in a statement on Thursday (April 2).
He added that the government’s approach is clear, acting in a targeted manner and taking early steps to protect the people.
This includes the RM4bil that has been spent, which serves as a targeted stimulus to absorb the effects of rising global oil prices.
The senior political adviser to Anwar also said that during the 1998 financial crisis and the Covid‑19 pandemic, countries that acted quickly and prepared for more difficult scenarios were better able to protect their people and recover more rapidly.
“We all understand the importance of fiscal discipline. But in times of crisis, no government can hide behind numbers alone,” he said.
He also expressed confidence in the government’s ability to take the necessary action when circumstances demand it.
“Today may not yet require additional measures. But our responsibility is clear: to ensure that when circumstances change, we are not only prepared, but able to act swiftly and decisively.
“I am confident the Prime Minister will continue to make the right decisions to protect the people and the nation’s economy,” he said.
