Govt policies proven effective: PM

SERDANG: Malaysia's good economy is a reflection of the federal government's policies, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak (pix).
Referring to the increase in Zakat contribution over the years, he said it is proof of the government's policies which are clean and effective.
"The economy of the Muslims in Malaysia is doing better. The Zakat payment is improving. In 2000, it was about RM100 million. But in 2014, it was RM532 million and this year, it has increased to RM585 million.
"The government's administration has to be good for this to happen," he said at the Aidilfitri aid contribution event held by the Federal Territory Islamic Religious Council (MAIWP) at the Malaysia Argo Exposition Park Serdang (MAEPS) here today.
Najib, who is also Finance Minister, said the Fitch Ratings' positive outlook on the country's economy is also proof of the government's financial management and policies.
Fitch Ratings has affirmed Malaysia's Long-Term foreign currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR) is at 'A-' and local currency IDR at 'A', while the issue ratings on country's senior unsecured local currency bonds are also affirmed at 'A'.
He also called on the public to be grateful and cautioned quarters who criticises the government.
"Malaysia is getting better, but there are challenges that we will face. Let us not talk down about our own country," he said.
Najib noted that if the Rohingya refugees who fled Myammar could be grateful to arrive on the shores of Malaysia, Malaysians who are living peacefully and having a good quality of living should be thankful.
At the event, Najib presented an aid of RM18.27 million from MAIWP to 53,880 Asnaf recipients including those who are hardcore poor, poor and muallaf (converts).
He also launched the MAIWP mobile counter to help recipients process applications for financial aid better.