Malaysia's 10th most competitive nation ranking is proof that the initiative to think 'outside the box' and take bold and pragmatic measures have brought encouraging results, Deputy Prime Minister

Muhyiddin Yassin said.

The initiative pioneered by Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak was

the result of cooperation by civil servants in implementing policies to strengthen the country's economy.

He said Malaysia had proven and managed to leapfrog within a short time although some quarters were sceptical that it could be achieved.

"We have been taking one step at a time, making drastic, pragmatic and effective measures and proven by Malaysia's 10th ranking in 2010 as mentioned by the World Competive Report," he said at the monthly gathering of the Prime Minister's Department here today.

He said the Prime Minister had brought new hope and aimed to make Malaysia 5th most competitive nation and this called for stronger commitment from civil servants.

"The Tenth Malaysia Plan (10MP) to be tabled in parliament calls for the private sector to take more initiative as the engine of growth to generate wealth."

Muhyiddin urged civil servants to be more efficient to help attract foreign investments as Malaysia faced strong competition from countries like China and India.

The World Competitive Report focuses on Malaysia's ability to generate quality human capital to generate higher income based on creativity and innovation.

- Bernama