Judging by the interest shown by foreign investors this year, Malaysian prime minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is optimistic that the country will witness stronger economic growth for 2024 and record breaking investments.

This year significant investments were derived from Japanese firms totaling RM6.56 billion, while technology giants in the United States propose to invest RM63.02 billion and more investments are pouring in from China.

Anwar acknowledged, however, that there are hiccups such as too much red tape and bureaucracy in ensuring speed in the approvals of business permits and licences and to look at ease of doing business.

He also stressed that there has to be a major boost in the introduction of cutting edge technology, improvement in training and courses of study including the role of TVET and being well versed with artificial intelligence.

Anwar also stated that the ‘Look East Policy’ which was introduced by Malaysia in 1982 will be broadened to include China, besides Japan and South Korea, to recognise the economic power of east Asia.

Anwar hoped that Malaysians will discard narrow and parochial views and welcome foreign investment and investors to usher greater growth of the economy for 2024 and for the well being and prosperity of everyone.

-THE MALAYSIA VOICE