KUALA LUMPUR: The unity government needs to be given time to implement its policies and to see economic development, said former finance minister II Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani.
He said there had been positive economic growth in the country, at 5.6 per cent in the first quarter of this year.
"We are heading towards economic recovery, so we need to give more time for the government to lead.
"It's only been eight months, and now we are taking a break because it's election season. You cannot expect to manage the economy and see results in two to three months.
"I believe in the economic initiatives (presented by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim), and if we can properly strategise and execute in 10 years, we will be very fantastic."
He said this at a 'Sesi Biacara PRN' discussion titled "Malaysia on the Verge of Recovery" (Malaysia Di Ambang Pemulihan) here, tonight.
Johari, who is also Umno vice-president, said for the country to achieve the seven goals laid out in the Madani Economy framework, the country must have competent leaders who had the will to execute economic strategies.
"I think that with the combination of Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional, we can do this. But with the condition that we need to be friends, we have to be in the same gang.
"Let's take the challenge and see this economic strategy to the finish line. I believe we can do it," he added.
The Titiwangsa member of Parliament, said if the government did not take appropriate measures to execute the Madani Economy framework, it would be left just as just a name, as what had happened to Vision2020 and the 2050 National Transformation (TN50) plan.
"To do this, all ministries must work together, and we want all to have key performance indicators.
"Given the time and chance, we should be able to see (improvements) in the first five years."
Anwar had, on July 27, unveiled the Madani Economy framework, which outlined seven benchmarks to be achieved within the next 10 years.
The seven benchmarks include transforming Malaysia into the top 30 largest economies around the world and placing the country in the top 12 of the Global Competitiveness Index.