SINGAPORE: The country's economy will see a further boost from potential investments coming in, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, today.
Anwar, who is also the finance minister, said investors had expressed their confidence in investing in the country due to proactive steps taken by the Madani government.
He said that initially there were negative perceptions Malaysia was in political turmoil, thus spooking investors.
"Investors see Malaysia as being at a crossroads. They weren't sure whether it would be stuck in the past or move forward but now they realise and accept the fact that the unity government has embarked on a new cause.
"They totally support the Madani Economy stance which is not purely homo economicus in sense but also includes humanity and compassion elements.
"They have expressed interest in the Madani Economy, wanting us to elaborate further on its perimeters, policies and framework.
"They realise that the unity government is here to stay for another four years and the stable governance has given them the confidence to invest in Malaysia.
Anwar further said that Malaysia has a vibrant and healthy democracy in spite of the opposition coming in the way.
"The opposition and their so-called 'wave' has not penetrated to the southern states…this has further instilled investors' confidence in the unity government.
"Investors appreciate our new policies, industrial master plan, energy transition with the Madani Economy, including our mid-term 12th Malaysia Plan.
"Although there are potential investors, I am not at liberty to announce it yet," he said, adding that once the investments were realised, due announcements will be made by the relevant investors.
"Malaysia is now experiencing a shift from the old framework to the new adjustment that is necessary to uplift and propel the country as a major economic power under the unity government," he said.
Meanwhile, Anwar said he will be visiting his counterpart, Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong for tea, today.
"The visit is not an official meeting but in our capacity as friends," he said.
Anwar said he will take the opportunity to discuss the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) and Special Financial Zone (SFZ).
Anwar said the special economic and finance zones is a cooperation between Malaysia and Singapore, due the high cost of living in the republic.
Malaysia's efforts to provide a more comfortable environment for foreign workers, includes international schools and golf clubs in Johor.
"The cost of living is high for those working in Singapore, thus under the SFZ in Forest City in Johor, they would be able to afford a home with facilities and amenities.
He said traffic congestions would not be an issue, as the Second-link will be further improved to accommodate the initiative.
"We have a good response to these initiatives from those working in Singapore but stay in Johor," he said.
The prime minister had earlier participated in two special sessions at the Milken Institute Asia Summit 2023, held at the Four Seasons Hotel, here, today.
The first one-hour session, 'A Conversation with the Prime Minister of Malaysia' was moderated by Bloomberg's anchor and chief international correspondent for Southeast Asia, Haslinda Amin.
It was then followed by another 45-minute session, 'Malaysia's Investment Outlook: A Conversation between the Prime Minister and Global Investors', moderated by Milken Institute's chair of Asia, Robin Hu.
Also present were investment Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz and Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir.
Source: https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2023/09/954953/pm-malaysia-see-more-investment-growing-confidence-madani-govt