Political Stability Crucial In Facing Economic Challenges - Johari

KUALA LUMPUR, April 28 (Bernama) -- Political stability is crucial for any country or economy to overcome mounting economic challenges amid global uncertainty, said Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani.

He said that without political stability, it would be difficult for a country to address the challenges ahead and maintain focus on economic priorities and the people’s welfare.

“If you don’t have the political stability, it is very, very difficult to overcome all these challenges,” he said in response to a question posed by Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) chairman Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai, who moderated the Concorde Club programme titled “War and Tariffs: Our Response” held at Wisma Bernama here today.

Also in attendance were Bernama chief executive officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin, editor-in-chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj, as well as members of the local and foreign media based here.

Johari said the country should prioritise strengthening the economy and safeguarding the wellbeing of the people, especially as Malaysia continues to face fiscal limitations and a persistent budget deficit.

He said heavy subsidies continue to place pressure on government finances, making political stability even more critical to support sound policymaking and effective management of economic challenges.

“The more reason, I think, we need real political stability in this country. At least for now, we need that very much,” he said.

The minister stressed that he was not referring to any specific incident but was speaking in general terms, adding that political stability must be upheld across the country as a whole.

“The whole country must have that political stability,” he said.

-- BERNAMA