KUALA LUMPUR: Foreign investment in the country in 2016 increased by 63.4 percent compared to 2015, reflecting the confidence of foreign investors in the Malaysian economy.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said, based on data from the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), Malaysia secured RM59 billion in foreign investment last year compared to RM36 billion in 2015. This brings total investments in the last year to RM207.9 billion.
"This impressive increase shows the confidence of foreign investors in the Malaysian economy. In fact, it shows that the government's policies in charting the country's economy is on the right track," said Najib in an audio clip posted on his website www.NajibRazak.com, today.
He noted that the economic strength of a country can be measured by many aspects, including through foreign direct investment as it reflects the confidence of foreign investors in the country's economy.
Najib, who is also Finance Minister, also pointed out that it is not easy to attract foreign investors because of competition between countries.
He added that the figures indirectly debunked slanderous and malicious allegations that Malaysia will be bankrupt or become a failed state.
"If foreign investors demonstrate their faith in Malaysia's economy, do we, as Malaysians, have any excuse to refute this fact?
"The government will ensure that the economy will continue to prosper and benefit all Malaysians.
"My hope is that Malaysians will continue to have their faith in the government's efforts as their support serves to boost our spirits in strengthening the nation's economy."