PRIME Minister Anwar Ibrahim hoped 2024 would usher in a brighter future for the people, with the unity government prioritising economic development to ensure their wellbeing.

Anwar, who is also finance minister, said efforts to spur national economic growth would remain the focus of the government to ease the people’s burden in various avenues such as inflation, living costs, education and healthcare.

“As we draw the curtain on 2023, it is appropriate for me to start by giving a summary of what has been announced to the public, that our economic growth has been maintained at 4%.

“This is among the best, but there are other blessings and successes, including the reduction of inflation to below 2% and drop in the unemployment rate to a very low level,” he said in a Facebook video last night.

He however said he would not get lost in data as real impacts lay in the people’s welfare and prosperity, as well as the cost of living, which was an issue still being addressed.

He said there must be improvements in governance within the leadership and civil service.

Anwar expressed appreciation for the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, police, customs and Inland Revenue Board.

He said to ensure every government policy was implemented effectively, old service delivery methods must be improved, including by speeding up the approval process at every department.

“Only through this method can we drive the economy and make the country competitive,” he said.

In his New Year’s message, Anwar said the question of unity and security for the people remained a challenge that demanded attention, including by ensuring Federal Constitution provisions on the position of Islam, sovereignty of the Malay rulers, Bumiputera privileges and Bahasa Melayu were not disturbed.

“The spirit of unity to embrace the people of various races and religions is a core duty that cannot be denied or trivialised. If this can be achieved, we can move away from the endless cycle of petty issues,” he said.

Anwar said throughout the year, the unity government maintained its teamwork due to political stability after several years of uncertainty.

“With the benefit of the views, advice and guidance of Their Royal Highnesses the Malay rulers, especially the decision and wisdom of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, we have prevailed (overcome all challenges).

“With strength and stability, we have worked as a team and tackled basic issues for the people and country,” Anwar said. – Bernama, January 1, 2024.