NEWLY appointed Economic Affairs Minister Mohd Rafizi Ramli said his overall focus will be on steering Malaysia towards becoming a high-income nation.

He said this is in view of the continued strong focus on industries and economic activities that can boost Malaysia’s income-generating capacity.

“There will be lot of focus on states which currently do not enjoy good growth and have more poor people.

“Strong focus should be on the most economically vulnerable groups in society, through the hardcore poverty eradication programme and so on,” he said during his first press conference after clocking in at work today.

He added that more attention should also be given to pursing sustainable development goals well as boosting technology and the knowledge economy. 

Rafizi said strong cohesion from top to bottom in the government is crucial to ensure plans are carried out properly, adding that rebuilding the country’s economy should be the agenda instead of politicking.

Commenting on the 2023 budget, the Pandan MP said the government will be tabling the budget for emoluments in the next parliamentary sitting, while the full budget will be tabled in the coming months.  

“We have gone through it (the budget), and it is at a very micro level. It is very premature to say anything now. We are going through the process,” he added. – Bernama, December 5, 2022.