ECONOMIC indicators are “very encouraging” despite Pakatan Harapan being a new government, said Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng.

He said Malaysia’s foreign direct investment increased 250% to RM49 billion in the first nine months of the year, while exports rose to a record RM96.4 billion.

Inflation was at a low of 1.2% in the first nine months of the year, he added.

“We must bear in mind that the global economy is facing more severe challenges compared with those faced by us in Malaysia. Therefore, we are convinced that if the people are united, regardless of race, religion or background, we will be strong and stable as a nation, and can overcome all future economic challenges,” he said in his New Year’s message, shared on the ministry’s Facebook page today.

Lim said the PH government aims to fulfil the people’s aspirations to the best of its ability.

He said Putrajaya is keen to improve welfare schemes, such as the Health Protection Fund, which allows those in the B40, or bottom 40% of households, group admitted to a government hospital to apply for payment of just RM50 per day, for a maximum of 14 days, per year, for a total of RM700.

“The economic well-being of the people will continue to be emphasised by the government, as it continues to provide aid to Felda settlers, rubber tappers, and those working in small towns and cities.

“We are a government for all Malaysians. A new year calls for new aspirations for all, and let us together make 2019 not just a year for Malaysia to recover, but also one that provides a beacon of hope for our children. Happy New Year 2019.” – Bernama, December 31, 2018.