Opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim said the government’s projection that it can achieve 5.4 percent growth annually over the next decade is overly optimistic.

The former finance minister said recent statements by premier Najib Abdul Razak and Minister in the PM’s department Nor Mohamed Yakcop are “political posturing” to appease the public.

NONE “There is no doubt that the country is in the process of recovery following negative growth. But to say that we can sustain a positive growth at 5.4 percent annually is being overly optimistic,” he said.

“If we take into consideration the current situation and economic climate, I do not think we can attract much investment.”

He questioned Najib’s wisdom in highlighting a 9 percent growth rate for the country in these trying times.

Anwar, was asked to comment on the forecast by the Economic Planning Unit and Najib for the country’s economic growth.

Nor Mohamed said the EPU estimates that Malaysia's economy must grow by at least 5.4 percent to enter the league of high-income advanced economies by 2020.

nor mohamed yakcop Nor Mohamed, in a briefing for captains of industry, said he was confident that Malaysia can achieve the growth by 2020.

Najib, had on Monday said he expects Malaysia’s Gross Domestic Product to exceed 9 percent annually until 2020, for it to achieve Vision 2020.

Yesterday, retired accountant and PKR member Kim Quek had, in a comment piece published by Malaysiakini, questioned whether Najib understands economics.

Quek said a growth rate of 9 percent at a time when Malaysia and the world are still going through one of the worst recessions in memory is unreal.

In Parliament today, Deputy Finance Minister Awang Adek Hussin gave another projection of two to three percent growth next year.

This makes it three different statements within a week from three ministers in charge of the economy.

‘PKR spat is over’

On another matter, Anwar touched on the problems in PKR such as the public spat between vice-president R Sivarasa (Subang Jaya) and Zulkifli Nordin (Kulim Baru MP).

NONE He said he understands the public’s wish to see a coherent and disciplined policy among PKR parliamentarians.

“I have spoken to Zulkifli and Sivarasa and issued a stern reminder. This happened when Sivarasa attributed my comments on my ultimatum to PKR members, to Zulkifli

“In my speech I did not make specific references to any one in particular. Sivarasa took it a step further and I think Zulkifli went a bit too far with his challenge. The matter has been resolved and is now closed.”