Prime Minister Badawi Warns Malaysian Voters Not To Put The Economy At Risk

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (ots/PRNewswire) -

- Campaign remarks come on heels of 7.3 percent GDP growth for
Malaysia

Malaysia's Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi, campaigning in the
northern state of Kedah today, warned voters not to put at risk their
country's sound economy in the 8 March election.

Prime Minister Badawi was speaking after Malaysia's Central Bank
announced that economic growth for the fourth quarter of 2007 was up
7.3 percent, the highest GDP growth quarter since the second quarter
of 2004.

For all of 2007, growth in Malaysia was 6.3 percent, against 5.9
percent growth in 2006.

Prime Minister Badawi said, "Our strong growth reflects people's
confidence in our economy. We want to continue to be a government
that is pro-business and we will continue to enhance the efficiency
of public services to reduce the cost of doing business. Malaysians
work hard to make our economy grow stronger, bigger and better. And
their government is working hard alongside them to deliver greater
prosperity for all."

"Malaysia's hard working families are seeing the benefits for
themselves of our economic strength and progress with more than a
million new jobs and rising household incomes. Malaysia's trade with
other countries is up by 26%. There are new incentives for investors
to bring new jobs and prosperity to our country and a positive
environment for all to do business," he said.

"That's why with Malaysia's economy strong, now is not the time
to put our economic strength at risk by unaffordable election
handouts, unrealistic election promises and undeliverable election
pledges. That is the fastest route to economic ruin. Malaysia's
families really shouldn't risk it."

"As the world's economy enters challenging times, proven
leadership on the economy couldn't be more important for the future
of Malaysia. There is still a lot that we want to do for the people
and with their continued support, we can overcome any hurdles before
us," said Prime Minister Badawi.

Using today's campaigning stops to highlight his government's
economic record since 2004, Mr. Badawi reminded supporters that:

-- Malaysia's national wealth is up, with GDP growing by 18% since 2004
-- International trade is up, with growth of 26%
-- Household incomes are up, by 11%;
-- The number of jobs in the economy is up, by over a million;
-- The budget deficit is down, from 5% of GDP in 2003 to 3.2% in 2007.

Mr. Badawi is keen to show that his proven leadership and
experience on the economy means with a renewed mandate his government
can deliver even greater economic progress in the future. New pledges
on the economy, made by Mr. Badawi's governing coalition, include
commitments to:

-- Raise Malaysia's productivity, income and competitiveness;
-- Ensure quality living standards for the Malaysian people;
-- Strengthen the private sector's role as the main driver of economic
growth;
-- Support 1 million enterprises and entrepreneurs over 5 years;
-- Generate at least 2 million quality job opportunities over 5 years;
-- Further reduce the budget deficit without increasing taxes.
-- Eradicate already low poverty levels in rural areas

Prime Minister Badawi will be spending Thursday in his home state
of Penang before leaving for the north eastern state of Kelantan,
which is currently governed by the Islamist party PAS.

Web site: http://www.BN2008.org.my

ots Originaltext: BN2008 News
Im Internet recherchierbar: http://www.presseportal.de

Contact:
Chong Sin Woon of BN2008, +6019-382-8461,
campaignupdates@BN2008.org.my