He said the government, although in power for just about a year, has shown a high level of commitment and attained success in many matters, taking into consideration the financial position inherited from the previous government.
Mahathir was delivering the address of congratulations and pledge of loyalty on behalf of the people at the installation of Sultan Abdullah as the 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong at Istana Negara today.
“In this regard, I will continue to ensure that Your Majesty’s government does not remain satisfied with the achievements thus far.
“Efforts will be redoubled continuously to revive Malaysia to be one of the more important economic axis in Asia,” he said.
Mahathir, representing the people, also congratulated Tunku Hajah Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah as the Raja Permaisuri Agong.
The prime minister also recorded his gratitude to the Sultan of Kelantan, Sultan Muhammad V, for his reign as the 15th Yang di-Pertuan Agong until Jan 6 this year.
Mahathir said the economic growth of the country is ongoing and initiatives are being implemented to rebuild the country.
He said although the world is now in a state of economic uncertainty and geopolitical turmoil, the government’s efforts have given the people the confidence that the country can face these challenges and minimise any possible negative effects.
Mahathir said national development will mean nothing if the people continue to live in hardship and marginalised from the spillover of development. As such, he added, the government will continue striving to improve its programmes for the people’s well-being.
These include efforts to reduce the cost of living by increasing purchasing power and eliminating the income gap between classes, races and regions, he said, adding that tackling the rising prices of goods and cost of living holistically requires the cooperation of all quarters.
Mahathir said in conjunction with the first anniversary of the PH government rule, the government had announced the Shared Prosperity Vision 2030 which aims to ensure that all people enjoy the nation’s economic wealth and prosperity together in a more just and equitable manner.
He said the commitment to enhance efficiency, transparency, governance and integrity would be the government’s ongoing agenda to ensure the efficiency of the administrative machinery.
He said measures will continue to be implemented to improve governance and integrity and eradicate corruption, including taking action against those involved in corruption and abuse of power.
“Your Majesty’s government will ensure that no one is above the law. At the same time, the principle of transparency as a check-and-balance mechanism for the government will continue to be stepped up.
“All these efforts go to show that Your Majesty’s government is very serious in addressing issues that have thus far jeopardised the well-being of the people and tarnished the image of the country at the international level,” he said.
Mahathir also said efforts will always be made to enhance the unity among the people and that, to strengthen these efforts, the Consultative Council for People’s Harmony had been set up to act as an independent body to advise the government on issues related to unity and social well-being.