Robust GDP growth proves govt sets priority right: PM

KUALA LUMPUR: The country's favourable economic performance in the first six months of the year proves that the government is giving priority to projects related to the well-being of the people, Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak said.
The Prime Minister said Bank Negara Malaysia's reserves exceeded RM100 billion, while international bodies and financial analysts generally forecast and expect that the economy was on track to achieve higher economic growth than before.
"Consumer sentiment is also more positive and this means the country's transformation policy and the emphasis on projects like the MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) have received a positive response," he told a press conference after the chairing Umno Supreme Council meeting here today.
Malaysia's economy recorded a robust expansion in the second quarter of 2017, recording a 5.8% growth in gross domestic product (GDP) and 5.7% for the first half year.
Commenting on his upcoming meeting with US President Donald Trump on Sept 12, Najib said trade issues would be one of the main topics to be discussed.
"I will make a press conference before I go because I'm in the process of having internal discussions.
"One of the main topics will be our fight against extremism, IS, militancy, the role Malaysia (needs) to play in making Southeast Asia a zone of peace, harmony. And also some trade issues and how we can improve economic relations with the United States," he added. — Bernama