Economic indicators are very encouraging despite the Pakatan Harapan government being new, Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng said today.

Among others, he pointed out that Malaysia's FDI increased by 250 percent to RM49 billion in the first nine months of 2018, while exports rose to a record of RM96.4 billion.

Inflation, meanwhile, was at a low of 1.2 percent in the first nine months of 2018, he said.

“We must bear in mind that the global economic situation is facing more severe challenges compared to those faced by us in Malaysia. 

"Therefore, we are convinced that if the rakyat are united, regardless of race, religion or background, we will be strong and stable as a nation in overcoming all future economic challenges,” he said in his New Year message on the Finance Ministry's Facebook page today.

According to Lim, the Harapan government aims to fulfil the rakyat’s aspirations to the best of its ability.

Lim said the government aimed to improve welfare schemes such as the Health Protection Fund – which allows individuals in the bottom 40 percent (B40) income group admitted to government hospitals to apply for payment of RM50 per day for a maximum period of 14 days in a year, or the equivalent of RM700.

“The economic well-being of the rakyat will continue to be emphasised by the government, as the government will continue to provide aid to the Felda settlers, rubber tappers, and those who are working in small towns and cities.

“We are the government for all Malaysian citizens. A new year calls for new aspirations for all, and let us together make 2019 not just a year for Malaysia to recover, but one that provides a beacon of hope for our children. 

"Happy new year 2019."

- Bernama