Stay united even when others try to sabotage our economy: Ali Hamsa

SUNGAI PETANI: Members of the public are urged to remain united for the sake of the country despite efforts by those who try to discredit and sabotage the national economy for self-interest.
Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Dr Ali Hamsa said the irresponsible parties, apart from trying to create disunity among Malaysians, had also been making various allegations such as labelling the country as being bankrupt.
"If the country is bankrupt, no other countries will come to visit us, no institution recognises Malaysia as the number one country for investment," he said this when speaking at the national level of the 'Ekspresi Negaraku' programme here today.
Also present was Malaysian Armed Forces chief Tan Sri Raja Mohamed Affandi Raja Mohamed Noor, the Public Service Department director-general Datuk Seri Zainal Rahim Seman and Kedah State Secretary Datuk Bakar Din.
Ali Hamsa said investors' confidence in the country was increasing, as shown by foreign countries and their leaders towards Malaysia and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak.
"For example, countries such as China, where its investment here is amounting to RM144 billion, followed by the recent visit of King Salman Abdulaziz Al-Saud of Saudi Arabia, and we can see that with only one project namely Petronas and Aramco (Saudi Arabian Oil Co) is generating an investment worth RM32 billion," he said.
He said Malaysia had excellent government to government and economic ties with other ASEAN countries, and even India was recently projected to bring in big investment here.
"God willing, in the near future, a number of heads of state will be here for a visit to establish a closer tie with us, apart from several leaders of Arab countries who will also be visiting Malaysia in the near future," he said.
He said the government was extremely concerned about the welfare of the people by ensuring all the development that had been achieved should be enjoyed by everyone through the emphasis on people economy.
"In terms of our economic performance, it shows encouraging signs despite the global economic uncertainty. In 2016 we achieved a 4.2 per cent economic growth rate.
"This year the Bank Negara has forecast the economy will grow between 4.3 and 4.8 percent," he said.
Ali also urged all Malaysians to contribute to the country through efforts that could increase productivity such as business that improves the economy.
"You do not have to serve as public servants to express your love for the country, contribute to the country through positive activities that benefit yourself and those around you," he said.
On 'Ekspresi Negaraku' programme, he said Kedah was the second location after it was launched on March 18 in Putrajaya by Najib.
"We intend to visit every state in Malaysia to enable more people to participate in celebrating the spirit of 'Negaraku'," he said.
Ali also visited the site of the event in addition to interacting with local icons and celebrities, including Pak Mazin (famous traditional keris crafter) and Sujana Rejab (3D printed prosthetic limbs designer). — Bernama