KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin delivered the keynote address at the "Setahun Malaysia Prihatin" event in Putrajaya today, in conjunction with Perikatan Nasional's (PN) one year anniversary of helming the government.
The following is the prime minister's speech text, in full:
Bismillahirrahmanirrahim.
Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh and salam sejahtera.
Honourable Senior Ministers and Ministers, Honourable Menteris Besar and Chief Ministers, Honourable Deputy Ministers, Yang Berbahagia Chief Secretary To The Government, Yang Berbahagia Director-General of Public Service, Heads of Foreign Representatives, Yang Berbahagia Heads of Department, Secretaries-General, Heads of Statutory Bodies and Government-Linked Companies.
Ladies and Gentlemen.
1. Alhamdulillah, let us start this morning by expressing our deepest gratitude to Allah Subhanahu Wataala for His Greatness and His Mightiest that we are given this opportunity to be here together in this One-Year Malaysia Prihatin Keynote Address ceremony.
2. Today marks the one-year anniversary of the formation of the Perikatan Nasional government. Over the past year, we have been faced with a major crisis that has been threatening the lives of the people - the COVID-19 pandemic. It is a health crisis at a global scale which is unprecedented.
3. The spread of the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in not only a global health crisis but also an economic crisis on a scale that has never been experienced globally since 1930s. Our country is no exception to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, with over 300,000 people infected with the virus and the country's economy, shrinking by 5.6 percent last year (2020).
PRIHATIN RAKYAT GOVERNMENT'S MAIN CHALLENGES: PROTECTING LIVES AND LIVELIHOODS
4. As a Caring Government, the main challenge in managing this crisis is to strike a fine balance between protecting lives and livelihoods. If this can be concluded – safeguarding lives and livelihoods - are two keywords that best describe the focus of the administration of the Perikatan Nasional government over the past one year.
5. To protect the lives and livelihoods of the people, over the past one year, the Government has taken various bold and proactive steps. Among them were the implementation of the Movement Control Order (MCO), and at the same time introducing various economic stimulus packages worth RM305 billion. All these moves were taken to curb the spread of COVID-19 and at the same time, ease the burden of the people as well as ensure business continuity.
6. Alhamdulillah, with the support of frontliners, civil servants, security forces, the private sector and the general public, all these measures taken by the Government have borne fruits. We have been dealing with three waves of COVID-19 infection so far. We have managed to flatten the curve of the first wave, avoided the second and currently, the daily cases in the third wave of COVID-19 are showing a downward trend.
7. In addition, our healthcare system has not only been able to withstand but also been effective in treating COVID-19 patients. The mortality rate due to COVID-19 in Malaysia is among the lowest in the world, which is below 0.4 percent and more than 90 percent of those infected have fully recovered.
8. The Ministry of Health (MOH) has also taken steps to ensure that at least 126,000 individuals can be given COVID-19 vaccination every day at 600 vaccination locations nationwide. The government is targeting 80 percent of the population which is equivalent to 26 million individuals, to receive free vaccines.
9. InsyaAllah, with the movement control measures still in effect, continuous compliance with the SOPs and the implementation of the National COVID-19 Immunization Plan which has already begun, we will be able to flatten the curve of COVID-19 infections in our country in the next few months.
CURRENT ECONOMIC POSITION
10. Our economic situation is also improving. In comparison, in April 2020, the economy contracted at 28.7 percent, but in December 2020, our country's economy contracted only at 1.7 percent. The unemployment rate has also declined from 5.3 per cent in May 2020 to 4.8 per cent in December 2020.
11. The government's move to reopen the economic sectors in phases after the implementation of the first MCO in March 2020, has contributed to a better current economic position. The approvals granted for economic activities to resume has brought relief to the national economy and, more importantly, gives the people the opportunity to generate income again.
12. In January 2021, when the pandemic figure rose again, the Government decided on the implementation of the second MCO as necessary based on studies on data and science which has been carried out throughout the period of the pandemic.
13. During the second MCO period, the Government has sought to balance between the importance of public health and the needs for economic growth. Thus, the Government decided to provide flexibility by opening more economic activities compared to the period when the first MCO was mounted on condition of strict compliance with the SOPs. The SOPs for all economic activities have also been improved with active involvement of associations and chambers of commerce.
14. The approvals granted for more economic activities to resume is very important because as a trading nation, goods and products produced in the country need to be exported. We know for example that rubber gloves, electrical and electronic products as well as wood-based products such as furniture are in high demand in the export market. In addition, the sustainability of economic sectors such as manufacturing, services and retail is also very important as it also helps the operations of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the value chain of national economic activities.
15. The impact of the implementation of the second MCO in its early stages, with only manufacturing and part of retails and construction allowed to operate with a 100 per cent production capacity, is three times lower than the first MCO. However, the loss of revenue is still huge at around RM633 million a day. Accordingly, the Government has directed that all economic activities in the services, retail and construction sectors be allowed to operate at a 100 per cent capacity with strict SOPs to be complied with. The permission to operate for these economic activities provides an opportunity for companies to continue generating income.
16. With the measures being taken, the Government expects the Malaysian economic position to improve this year. According to a report by the World Economic Outlook by the International Monetary Fund, world GDP in 2021 is projected to recover at 5.5 per cent, while world trade is projected to grow at 8.1 per cent. In line with the recovery of world economic and trade activities, the country's economy is also expected to recover in 2021.
17. International bodies such as the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank in January 2021 have projected that our country's economy will grow at a rate of 7 per cent and 6.7 per cent. The country's economic recovery will also be led by the services and manufacturing sectors which account for more than 80 per cent of GDP. At the same time, domestic demand is projected to record a steady growth supported by improvements in the labor market, low inflation and favorable financing conditions as well as the resumption of major infrastructure projects.
18. As a country whose economic growth is driven by exports, investors' sentiments are very important as a source of job creation. In this regard, confidence in the Malaysian market remained strong, especially from foreign investors, based on investments of RM23.1 billion in the bond market until August 2020. Net foreign investment into Malaysia also remained positive from RM2.2 billion in the second quarter of 2020 to RM6.1 billion in the fourth quarter of 2020.
19. Among the factors that support the confidence of these foreign investors is the Government's active efforts to engage with existing investors to understand their needs during the implementation of restrictive travel measures. In addition, efforts to attract additional and new investments are also in full swing.
20. Ringgit Malaysia has also emerged as one of the strongest currencies in Southeast Asia, driven by ongoing Government and private initiatives in economic recovery and tackling the pandemic. This is an important indicator to assess the economic sustainability of the country in the long run.
MOVING FORWARD - PRIHATIN RAKYAT GOVERNMENT
Controlling the Spread of COVID-19 And Restoring the Economy
Ladies and Gentlemen,
21. After overcoming all challenges in 2020, the Government is determined to drive economic recovery more vigorously in 2021 for the well-being of the people. I know, even though the situation is gradually improving, many people out there are still losing their source of income and many entrepreneurs are pressured to continue their business.
22. Initially, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit our country, it was a new thing we had never experienced before. There are just so many things unknown about this virus.
23. Now, a year has passed and we have learned a lot. Among them, based on the analysis of COVID-19 data, it is found that 10 per cent of COVID-19 cluster locations have contributed to more than 85 per cent of COVID-19 cases in the country.
24. Therefore, the Government will formulate a strategy to control the transmission of COVID-19 based on the data obtained. The government will take a more targeted approach by implementing stricter Movement Control Order at all locations of infection.
25. At the same time, economic activities will continue to be open, subject to strict social distancing and SOPs. Enforcement of SOPs will be enhanced. Strict action will be taken against those who defied SOPs to ensure that economic activities can remain open and continue as usual while the livelihoods of the majority of rakyat be safeguarded.
26. Although economic activities will be opened, travel restrictions are still imposed including in international borders, interstate crossings as well as social and business activities where social distancing is not practised. The opening of such activities can only be done after the immunization programme has reached a certain level in terms of people's coverage.
27. Taking this situation into account, the Government will formulate additional measures in the near future, namely: First - Provide targeted assistance to vulnerable groups, especially the poor and those who have lost their income; Second – Enhance support for businesses, especially businesses which are still unable to operate and those in the process of reopening post-MCO; Third - Focus on the public delivery system, especially in ensuring that aids could reach to those in need, expedite the implementation of development projects and reduce bureaucracy so that economic activities at all levels will remain vibrant, thus encouraging new investments from within and outside the country; and fourth - Focus on digitization agenda in line with growth of new resources and transformation of the country's economy in knowledge-based and innovation-based activities.
Creation of Job Opportunity
28. The COVID-19 pandemic has posed a major impact on unemployment problem in the country. In 2020, a total of 107,024 retrenchment cases were reported while 14,273 cases were reported until 21 February, 2021. To overcome the problem of retrenchment and unemployment, the Government has established the National Employment Council (MPN) which serves as the highest body in policy-making decisions and strategies and to monitor the implementation of initiatives related to job creation. For the year 2021, MPN aims to create 500,000 jobs for the rakyat.
29. For this purpose, the Government through SOCSO, has embarked on PenjanaKerjaya 2.0 programme and empower the MYFutureJobs portal to encourage employers to hire and train new employees. During the past one year, a total of 161,603 job-seekers were placed in new jobs. As of February 26, 2021, another 25,648 managed to get jobs. Through MyFutureJobs, a total of 243,892 job offers are still up for grab for job-seekers while 143,320 job opportunities have been created through the MYFutureJobs portal.
Digital Economy Empowerment
30. As part of efforts to support economic growth and job creation, the Government will focus on empowering the digital economy. By 2025, the digital economy is expected to contribute 22.6 per cent to Gross Domestic Product (GDP). In this regard, I have launched the Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint and the MyDigital initiative on 19th February. This blueprint provides the direction for Malaysia to become a competitive country in this digital era.
31. Based on the Report of the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) World Digital Competitiveness Ranking 2020, out of 63 countries, Malaysia is ranked 26th with a score of 82.39 per cent. In terms of creativity and innovation, Malaysia is ranked 12th out of 190 economies in the East Asia and Pacific Region, with a score of 81.5 in the World Bank's Doing Business 2020.
32. The MyDigital initiative which has the potential to attract investments, estimated at RM70 billion, will definitely enhance the country's competitiveness and become one of the main catalysts for the country's economic recovery and the creation of more job opportunities for the people.
33. In addition, the Government through the relevant Ministries and agencies, have formed collaborations with key communications service providers to develop a comprehensive digital infrastructure plan to meet the overall new needs of the people. This action plan, known as the National Digital Network (JENDELA), will be the platform to improve the country's digital communications under the 12th Malaysia Plan. The implementation of JENDELA is expected to provide solutions to the problem of internet accessibility in rural and remote areas, including in Sabah and Sarawak.
34. The Government has also approved a total of 128 ICT and digitization projects, involving a total cost of RM3.8 billion and another allocation of RM538.7 million under the 2021 Budget. The approved projects include the development of cybersecurity systems, infrastructure and software, digital government competency training as well as upgrading ICT equipment at training institutes.
Digital Education
35. In line with efforts to strengthen the digital economy, the Government will also focus on the implementation of the Digital Education Policy. This policy has three main purposes, namely: First – Creates a digitally-effluent generation – a generation who masters digital knowledge and skills and is able to create innovations using digital technology; Second - Enhances competency and professional development of stakeholders relating to leadership and integration of digital technology in education; and third - Bridging the digital divide to produce responsible and functioning citizens, or knowledge virtue-based society.
36. I believe that Digital Education Policy is a step forward to prepare a generation of digital fluency and at the same time boost the quality of education of our country to be among the best in the world.
Poverty Eradication
37. I am aware that although the Government has channeled various forms of assistance to the people, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, there are still many who are still suffering. I chair the weekly Economic Action Council meeting and in the last meeting, it was reported that the number of people falling into poverty as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, has increased. Those who were previously in the T20 group have partly become the M40 group and part of the M40 has fallen into the B40 group. Those in the B40 group are getting poorer due to economic contraction effects that our country is experiencing.
38. The Cabinet has also discussed in depth the problem of poverty that is taking place in our country. I have been tasked to chair the Cabinet Committee on Poverty which will examine this issue comprehensively and decide on what steps that can be taken by the Government, GLCs, voluntary bodies as well as the private sector to jointly address this problem. The poverty eradication program will take into account the increase in the 2021 Poverty Line (PGK 2021) from RM980 to RM2,208 which will further increase the number of poor and hardcore poor households and further increase the number of target groups.
Ensuring the Safety of People
39. In the effort to address the spread of COVID-19 and ensure the safety of the people, the Government will also enhance border control aspects, ensure compliance towards travel restrictive measures, improve existing detention centers, including opening temporary detention centers and tightening border controls to prevent illegal entry of foreigners.
40. The government is also not in the least to compromise on the issue of illegal immigrants (PATI), especially in efforts to curb the spread of Covid-19. As of 31 December 2020, a total of 6,634 operations on illegal immigrants have been carried out and a total of 22,522 illegal immigrants and 387 employers have been arrested. In addition, 11 syndicates related to illegal immigrants and 111 masterminds have been arrested.
41. The government has also strengthened border controls through Op Benteng under the National Task Force (NTF) which consists of various security agencies to curb the entry of illegal immigrants who have led to the spread of COVID-19. Op Benteng, among others, has successfully carried out arrests and evictions of illegal immigrants, tekong and seizing illegal boats in our waters.
42. As a step forward, the Government will continue to implement security and enforcement controls based on movement restrictive measures which are still in force. In addition, security-related policies and legislations will be strengthened to further enhance the enforcement aspects.
43. Border control will be among the Government's focus through the transformation of management and governance. A five-front approach that includes the northern border of Kedah, Kelantan, South, Sabah and Sarawak will be implemented by adding assets and the use of different high-tech equipment to suit borders' terrains. These include the addition of control posts, border fences, CCTV, radar and high-capacity drones.
Improving the National Healthcare System
44. The COVID-19 pandemic has taught us how important it is for our country to have the best healthcare system. Malaysia healthcare system and our achievements in health-related matters are proof of the government's concerns and firm commitment and that of the Ministry of Health as well as frontliners' in providing the best health services for the people.
45. However, the increase in the number of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among the population, access to health facilities in certain areas and the sustainability of the existing system have challenged the government. The COVID-19 pandemic that hit the country and around the world has revealed some of the gaps that exist in the present system as well as short- and long-term measures that need to be carried out to ensure that it does not put extreme pressure on the country's healthcare system in the future.
46. Recognizing this fact, the government has embarked on a comprehensive study of the country's healthcare system. This study is divided into two phases which include projections and efforts that need to be taken for the period until 2030. The first phase that is currently being implemented aims to examine objectively and set the main steps that need to be taken to strengthen the existing system. Among others, the first phase aims to evaluate the country's healthcare system openly and objectively. The second phase will produce an action plan that details all the steps that need to be taken to achieve the objective of creating a sustainable healthcare system.
Unity of People
47. Apart from having the best health system, the unity of people of various races, religions and regions is also an important foundation of our country's success in overcoming the crisis. The COVID-19 pandemic shows the plural society in this country helping and supporting each other in facing difficult situations. This role is played at the individual level, local community, voluntary organizations or through the private sector's corporate social responsibility programs that provide assistance to those in need, regardless of race and religion. This is a commendable attitude that we must continue as Malaysians.
48. In line with efforts to strengthen unity of the people, the Government has launched the National Unity Policy on 15 February, together with the National Unity Blueprint 2021-2030. The policy and blueprint, first ever formulated, have outlined 41 strategic shifts which will be the focus at the implementation stage in achieving the goal of 'Unity in Diversity'.
49. Fair and equitable treatment for all citizens will be continued through various consolidation initiatives. In the economic aspect, it is based on the distribution of national wealth that is shared fairly and equitably by all citizens across racial, religious and regional boundaries. While in the social aspect, it is driven by the spirit of lasting goodwill.
50. In this context, I could see that the youth in our country can play an important role in cultivating the spirit of unity in order to build a united nation. As inheritance of the country's leadership in the future, the leaders of youth organizations should take the initiative to promote the spirit of unity among the people.
Roles at the International Level
51. Foreign relations are also crucial in the fight against COVID-19 and recovery of the national economy. Apart from our success in hosting the APEC 2020 Conference held virtually, Malaysia will continue to play its important role at the international arena. This includes through the ASEAN Comprehensive Recovery Framework agreed upon during the 37th Asean Summit which ensures Malaysia's access to vaccines, including new generation of the vaccines, as well as working to expand global recognition of digital health certificates or Malaysian vaccine passports and provide assistance and facilitate the return of Malaysians stranded abroad.
52. To facilitate Malaysia's economic recovery efforts, the Government will continue its comprehensive efforts to create a travel bubble with potential countries. This travel bubble initiative is important to reactivate bilateral trade and investment cooperation and, in turn, accelerate economic growth.
53. In this context, Malaysia has formulated a Reciprocal Green Lane (RGL) agreement with Singapore in 2020. Malaysia will continue to work to establish an RGL with interested nations such as China (including Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan), Australia, Brunei, India, Indonesia, Japan, Republic of Korea, New Zealand and Vietnam.
54. At the regional level, the ASEAN Declaration on the formation of the ASEAN Travel Corridor Arrangement (TCA) was adopted by ASEAN leaders during the 37th ASEAN Summit in November 2020. This initiative will help facilitate intra-ASEAN travel, and subsequently able to reactivate the trade, tourism and intra-ASEAN related services that have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
55. The Government also will ensure that Malaysia's role in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) remains intact, especially in fighting for the rights of the Palestinian people. Malaysia will continue to support all efforts to achieve a fair and lasting solution, especially through negotiations involving relevant parties, based on international law as well as the relevant United Nations (UN) resolutions.
SHARED PROSPERITY VISION 2030 (WKB 2030 AND the 12TH MALAYSIA PLAN (12MP)
Ladies and Gentlemen,
56. While the Government is currently focusing on efforts to overcome the problem of COVID-19 and revive the national economy, we also need to plan for the development and economic progress of the country for the long term. In this context, the country's five-year socio-economic development plan is important to set a clear strategic direction and place the country's economy on a stronger foundation.
57. In this regard, the Government has introduced the Shared Prosperity Vision 2030 (WKB 2030) as a continuation of the 2020 Vision. The main goal of WKB 2030 is for Malaysians as a whole to achieve a decent standard of living by 2030. The three main objectives of WKB 2030 is to ensure development for all, address the wealth and income gap, and achieve the aspirations of a united, prosperous and dignified nation. WKB 2030 will be implemented through the Twelfth Malaysia Plan, 2021-2025 (12MP) and the Thirteenth Malaysia Plan, 2026-2030.
58. The 12MP aims to achieve a "Prosperous, Inclusive and Sustainable Malaysia". The policies and strategies being formulated under the 12MP indicate the Government's commitment to the people's problems and will place the Malaysian economy on a stronger and more competitive path. The goals of the 12MP are not only to boost economic growth but also to ensure that the country's prosperity can be distributed more fairly and equitably, and environmental sustainability is not neglected.
59. To ensure that Malaysia is on the right track to achieve the goals of WKB 2030, the strategies and initiatives formulated to address existing socioeconomic issues and challenges have been focused on efforts to regenerate the economy, strengthen our security, prosperity and inclusiveness as well as enhance sustainability.
60. Several catalysts have been identified in driving the development of Malaysia over the next five years. These catalysts include developing future available talent, accelerating the adoption of advanced technology and innovation, strengthening connectivity and transport infrastructure as well as strengthening the public sector to be more efficient.
61. Among the Government's priorities under the 12MP include:
i. addressing poverty, in particular the eradication of hardcore poverty and reducing socio-economic inequality by implementing more comprehensive and targeted programs;
ii. emphasizing the Bumiputera Empowerment Agenda to reduce the gap between Bumiputeras and other races;
iii. accelerating development in Sabah and Sarawak and other underdeveloped states by strengthening the provision of infrastructure and basic facilities;
iv. providing a conducive ecosystem for the development of micro, small and medium enterprises (PMKS);
v. accelerating the adoption of advanced technology and digitization;
vi. encouraging quality investment by focusing on high-tech activities; and
vii. accelerating the transition to a green economy to support the sustainable development agenda and make Malaysia a low-carbon country.
62. In this regard, several high-potential industries have been identified as new leaders and sources of growth such as the more sophisticated, creative aerospace, electrical and electronics industries, biomass and smart agriculture. The government will also implement strategies to increase productivity to accelerate the transition to high value-added and high-tech industries.
An Efficient, Integrated and Caring Public Service
Ladies and Gentlemen,
63. All Government planning as I have described require commitment and cooperation from an efficient, integrity and caring public service.
64. In these difficult times, my hope is that all civil servants will focus on helping the people. This is Number One priority. Speed up the process of delivering aid to the people. They can't wait long. A day of delay maybe they don't have food on their table. The same goes to applications from traders, entrepreneurs and investors. Simplify the process for them to invest, start and restore their respective businesses.
65. To enhance the aspects of good governance, integrity and anti-corruption, the Government will also continue to implement the National Anti-Corruption Plan to achieve the aspirations for a nation of integrity and corruption-free.
66. As in close friendship, the Government and the civil servants are inseparable. Success after success we have achieved together even though there are endless hurdles to be overcome. The close relationship and consensus between the Government and civil servants must be upheld at all times.
67. As the saying goes, an effective leadership is like "a big tree in the middle of the field, a place of shelter, a place of refuge from the rain". Government leaders, whether politicians or civil servants, must protect all citizens. Everything must be treated fairly and defended fairly.
68. The same goes for GLCs and statutory bodies. Implement corporate social responsibility or CSR programs to help those in need. This is the time for all of us to give back to society. I received many applications from businessmen who applied for exemptions in rental payment at GLC premises they occupied to do their business. Consider these applications as best as you can. Many are suffering losses in their business. Help them to save their business so that they can get back on track.
EMERGENCY
69. I want to take this opportunity to touch on the emergency situation that is being implemented in our country at the moment. The Emergency Proclamation as granted by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong is solely to solve the COVID-19 problem.
70. Since the emergency came into force, His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong has promulgated three ordinances, namely, the Emergency Ordinance (Necessary Powers) 2021, the Emergency Ordinance (Minimum Standards for Housing, Accommodation and Employment Facilities) (Amendment) 2021 and the Emergency (Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases) (Amendment) Ordinance.
71. All these ordinances are aimed at enabling the government to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic more efficiently and effectively, including improving the management of foreign workers' accommodations which is one of the main causes of the spread of COVID-19 in our country. With the proclamation of emergency, all these ordinances can be proclaimed in a short period of time without having to go through the process in Parliament which usually takes a long time.
72. I am aware and I also understand the meaning of democracy. Thus, none of these ordinances are intended to enable the Prime Minister to remain in power forever. In fact, this ongoing emergency also carries an end date on August 1, 2021. This is the first time in the history of our country, the emergency has an end date.
73. Apart from that, His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong has also appointed opposition Members of Parliament to sit on the Independent Special Committee to examine the state of emergency in the country and make recommendations on whether the emergency can be terminated earlier or otherwise. I believe this Independent Special Committee will examine the situation of the COVID-19 pandemic in our country to the best of their ability. If this committee is satisfied that the COVID-19 problem has been fully controlled, then a recommendation can be made to end the emergency.
74. As I have repeatedly said, I will continue to uphold the Constitution and the principles of democracy. Once the COVID-19 problem has been resolved, I will advise His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to dissolve Parliament so that a general election can be held and the people are free to choose which government is eligible to rule. For now, give space to the government to concentrate fully on efforts to control the spread of this pandemic.
75. The main focus of this government at this moment is to steer this country clear of the double whammy of health and economic crises. Once the pandemic is over, which I hope will be very soon, I will advise the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to dissolve the Parliament. Until such time, my colleagues in the Cabinet and I will continue to carry out our duties and responsibilities to the best of our ability.
76. When the election is held, of course, we will leave it to the people to decide whether the Perikatan Nasional government should be re-elected or otherwise. You are free to choose and that is what democracy is all about.
COMPLIMENTS TO FOREIGN DIPLOMATIC MISSIONS
Excellencies, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
77. I would like to take this opportunity to express my deep appreciation to all Foreign Heads of Mission based in Malaysia for your invaluable contributions throughout this challenging time. The health, humanitarian and economic crises brought about by the pandemic required not just local, but also international collaborations, in providing aid to the people.
78. Malaysia highly appreciates the bilateral and multilateral support rendered, including in delivering protective and medical equipment such as face masks and ventilators, as well as the exchange of expertise in managing the COVID-19 crisis. Foreign Diplomatic Missions have been playing a critical role in channeling accurate information and updates to the international communities in this country, including on policies concerning health screening, business operation and border control. For all that you have done to help us, I thank you very much.
CLOSING
Ladies and Gentlemen,
79. Finally, I would like to thank my colleagues in the cabinet, leaders of political parties, MPs, Menteris Besar and Chief Ministers, civil servants, security forces, GLC leaders, leaders of non-governmental organizations, the private sector and all Malaysians who have supported all the government's efforts in managing the COVID-19 pandemic and reviving the economy. Whatever the achievements of our country over the past one year and in the future, are the achievements of all of us.
80. I give my 100 per cent assurance and commitment that the Perikatan Nasional government will continue to care for the people.
81. I would also like to express my deepest gratitude to our frontliners who have worked hard to protect and save us all from the COVID-19 pandemic over the past one year. As a sign of support to them, I would like to invite all of you to register on the MySejahtera application to take the COVID-19 vaccine as our joint efforts in combating this pandemic.
82. I have taken the first dose of the vaccine and Alhamdulillah, I am healthy and can work as usual. This vaccine is safe for me and, InsyaAllah, it is also safe for all of you.
83. Let us all pray that we are all protected from any harm and given lasting peace, prosperity and good well-being.
Source: https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2021/03/670087/pms-setahun-malaysia-prihatin-keynote-address