The government today pledged to expedite the release of a stimulus package as corporate chiefs sought loans and cuts in taxes and utilities charges to survive the twin crises of war and the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (Sars) epidemic.

Acting Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said the package, which has been postponed twice, would be introduced "as soon as possible" because the economy may slide lower than the official growth forecast of 4.5 percent this year.