Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has been described as a "good housekeeper" by cabinet colleague and Gerakan president Dr Lim Keng Yaik.

He said Abdullah who is also finance minister, had taken prudent measures to ensure the government spent only when it had the money, thus reducing debts, despite claims by some people that the move had made "the economy to be stagnant".

"People may think there is a slowing down of the economy but now it has put the country in a better position financially, high trade, surplus of trade, building up the reserves and inflation is under control, below three per cent.

"With that kind of extra money, what we can expect is he can now start spending on infrastructures, especially on projects that will further contribute to build up the economy," the energy, water and communications minister was quoted by Bernama as saying today.

Speaking to reporters after chairing Gerakan's monthly central committee meeting, Lim said Pak Lah had a "systematically-calculated push, step by step to improve the country's economy."

He explained that the PM had stopped unnecessary government spending and set aside funds for future spending.

Prudent handling

He had also set up a high-powered special task force (Pemudah) to facilitate business. The task force comprises representatives from the public and private sectors.

He also established the Public Service Delivery Coordination Committee to work on improving the delivery system.

Lim praised his boss for his prudent handling of the country's finance and step-by-step planning of the economic development by liberalising certain economic sectors, resulting in the better economic performance.

He cited the 10-year high of the Bursa Saham Kuala Lumpur on Thursday at 1,248 points as an example of the country's robust economy.

The minister urged the people to see the opportunities available and work harder to find their niches and be part of the growing economy.