Johari said the government must ensure political stability in order for it to attract both domestic and foreign investment, and as a result, create more job opportunities for the people.

The Titiwangsa MP said other than job prospects, the people also prioritised food security, quality education and housing.

Putrajaya must focus on developing these areas to improve the lives of the people, he added.

“However, the government must have integrity and competency in the eyes of the people,” he said at the unity government convention at the World Trade Centre here.

The former second finance minister said it was also the government’s duty to use revenue it received through taxes to build infrastructure for the people.

Johari had previously stressed the importance of political stability, competence and trust in helping the country fix its struggling economy.

During a debate in the Dewan Rakyat in February, Johari outlined the challenges facing the economy, such as slower economic growth, reduced household incomes, unemployment and underemployment, lower government revenues, and rising poverty.

He was reported to have said that the country must brace for some “short-term pain” for the sake of future generations.