BUDGET 2023, set to be re-tabled on February 24, will take into account the current economic challenges while targeting to drive growth and attracting investments, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said.

Anwar, who is also the finance minister, said the government is also looking at raising competitiveness, the speed of business approvals, digitisation and sustainable consumption and production of natural resources with the budget.

“We are trailing behind Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam,” he said at the Finance Ministry’s monthly assembly in Putrajaya today. 

“We must address these issues to ensure we remain competitive.”

Anwar said the biggest challenge in drafting the national budget was drawing up balanced policies that would attract investors while caring for the welfare of the people, especially the hardcore poor.

“Sometimes there is a slight clash of ideas and policies. This can be an example of how we can translate Madani into economic growth,” he said, referring to his government’s vision for progress.

“Nobody should feel left behind and neglected,” he said. – Bernama, February 8, 2023.