'Political stability must align with good governance to boost economy'

Political stability must align with good governance as an effort to resolve all issues related to the people, thus driving the national economy, said Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

He said good governance not only enabled clear policies to be formulated, but it could also prevent any abuse of power and corruption.

“We are fortunate after some years of turbulence in the political arena, we have in the last two years found political stability. But political stability is not the answer, the answer is for responsible leaders to have good governance.

“Rid this country of corruption and abuse of power. With that political stability, we have crafted policies that benefit everyone and cater to every single region in this country.

“I’ve assured what is required by state and community to be deemed as fair and we continue to support without fear and favour and we have reflected this with yesterday’s budget (presentation),” he said when opening the Sabah International Blue Economy Conference (Sibec) 2024 in Kota Kinabalu today.

Sabah Chief Minister Hajiji Noor was also present.

Anwar said political stability and clear government policies had also enabled programmes such as Sibec 2024 to be held as a new idea towards further strengthening Sabah’s economy, which a few decades ago was only known for its timber industry, in addition to industrialisation and food security.

Anwar wants academics and experts especially in the field of the blue economy at local universities including Universiti Malaysia Sabah to be directly involved in the discussion related to the industry and support the endeavour.

“The blue economy initiative is of course a new focus and not all countries, societies or even states in Malaysia can benefit from this blue ocean economy. Well, in a small way yes.

“But you are blessed, Alhamdulillah, this state, the great Sabah can be greater if you focus on this issue (blue economy). This is what we call the broader, inclusive and sustainable development,” he said.

Anwar expressed his commitment to fully back Sabah’s economic development as well as the state’s blue economy initiative.

- Bernama

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