Asianomics Ltd Praises PM @NajibRazak Economic Policies

PM @NajibRazak has steered Malaysia well in this turbulent times

A global economic report has painted a bright outlook for Malaysia, predicting success for the second phase of Putrajaya's economic transformation plan due to Datuk Seri Najib Razak's leadership. 

There are no serious challengers to Najib's presidency in Umno until party polls are held in 2018, the Asianomics Country Report said in its latest update for international investors.

Asianomics Ltd was founded by Dr Jim Walker, a leading economist in Asia, for investors to get alternative perspectives, expose underlying economic realities and provide unconflicted macroeconomic research and strategic investment advice, according to the company's website.

The report noted that the Performance Management and Delivery Unit (Pemandu) had kept the Economic Transformation Programme (ETP) on track, and the next phase of the transformation programme is due to succeed further due to the PM's leadership qualities.

In other words, the report said, there appeared to be a likelihood for continued improvement with the prospects of badly needed, innovative economic and social policies on the cards.

In addition, the report noted an increased transparency on the award of smaller and major projects under the Economic Transformation Programme (ETP). 

The report also focused on the role played by Johor as the state has 30% of the ETP infrastructure projects.

“There is talk of companies relocating manufacturing out of expensive Singapore to cheaper Malaysia. Johor, which is investing heavily in infrastructure (including high-speed rail and road links to Singapore), is the prime destination for such investment.”

Despite the positive hopes for an economic boom in Johor under ETP, the report stated that there is cause for concern over creeping neo-feudalism.

“Mainland Chinese property companies are also deeply implicated, which could be one reason for the sudden pick-up in Chinese FDI.

"Among the most widely reported cases is the Sultan’s sale of 116 acres (47ha) of prime land in Johor to Chinese developer, Guangzhou R&F, last December. The deal allegedly earned the Sultan RM4.5 billion.