Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak said his budget speech today was a continuation of carefully planned policies that had led to the country’s success seen today.

NONE He said that Malaysia had transformed from a low-income agriculture-based economy to a modern middle-income industrial-based economy and reduced poverty from 60 percent to 3.8 percent today.

“In fact, prudent financial management has enabled us to weather the 1997/1998 financial crisis through firm and unorthodox measures.

“As a result, criticism has turned to praise and prejudice to admiration,” read Najib at the conclusion of his 75-minute speech.

This was a clear jab at Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim, who as finance minister during the crisis argued that Malaysia should adopt the International Monetary Fund's prescribed solutions to the crisis.

‘We think long-term’

Najib said that BN’s track record on managing the economy could not be disputed and threw obvious punches at the opposition’s ability to govern.

“Despite challenges, we will not retreat from this noble mission, as truth is in our favour based on our record of excellent performance.

“We are not dreamers. We are realists. Our success is not mere coincidence but the result of clear and careful planning as well as firm implementation,” he said.

At this point, grumbling from the opposition bench began to grow while backbenchers cheered Najib on.

“The government will not take the easy way out or sacrifice the nation’s long-term interest for short-term popularity. Rest assured, we will not leave a country laden with problems to the future generations.

“Thus, the rakyat must realise that they and their children’s future is invaluable to be surrendered to irresponsible parties,” he said.

After the budget speech was seconded by Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, vocal opposition MP Mahfuz Omar (PAS-Pokok Sena) left with this parting shot: “Thank you for your final budget speech”.