Remain united during trying times - PM

Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has called on Malaysians to remain united in these trying times.

In his New Year message, carried live over TV3, the Prime Minister called on Malaysians to maintain their political responsiblity to ensure peace and stability, while protecting the rights of all races.

He assured them that the country’s economic growth was doing well, despite signs that showed otherwise elsewhere.

Abdullah noted that 2008 was not all rosy for Malaysians.

“We had to accept bitter events such as the loss of lives in road accidents, crimes and natural disasters.

“We have faced the direct consequences of the rise in world oil prices. We are also faced with a drop in the price of palm oil and rubber,” he said.

But, through all these, he said, the Government would continue to protect the country’s economic strength and the people’s welfare.

“We will act responsibly and carry out the appropriate actions to face the changes brought about by the developments in the world economy,” he added.

Examples of these, Abdullah said was when the Government reduced the people’s financial burden by providing road tax rebates and rice subsidies, while the fuel prices experienced seven levels of reductions since August.

However, the Prime Minister was disappointed that the prices of certain goods were still high.

To counter the problem, the Go­­vernment had initiated cooperation with supermarkets, urging them to offer goods at lower prices, he said.

Abdullah said the global economic crisis would be more challenging in 2009.

“Demand for our goods will lessen, which in turn will result in a drop in economic activity,” he added.

However, he said, the people should be fortunate that Malaysia enjoyed several effective advantages compared with other nations.

“The country’s financial reserves reached the highest level in history at 37% compared to our GDP.

“Our financial institutions are equipped with strong capital that are cautiously managed, while the national economy is diversified and not solely dependent on a single sector,” he added.

Abdullah said the Government would monitor the trend and developments of the world economy and carry out appropriate steps to face the challenges.

“If need be, the Government will implement additional measures to ensure continuous economic growth and improve domestic consumption,” he added.

Abdullah said the country’s ability to face challenges did not only depend on the steps being carried out on the economy.

“In this context, I’m glad that we have achieved a huge success with the passing in Parliament of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Com­mission Bill and the Judicial Ap­­pointments Commission Bill recently.

“Such steps are important to ensure that the people’s rights are protected in a fair and judicious manner,” he said.

- The Star