ALOR SETAR: Economy Minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli has expressed optimism about Malaysia achieving developed nation status by the year 2028-2029, driven by the country's recent economic growth. However, he emphasized that the government is not pursuing this goal hastily, but rather ensuring sustainable progress toward prosperity.

In remarks made following a dialogue session regarding the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) with the Kedah state government, Rafizi stated, "Our current policies are not fixated on merely chasing developed nation status. Instead, if we maintain the impressive economic growth we have seen recently, this status will come naturally."

His comments come in response to critiques from economic analyst Dr. Mohd Azwardi Md Isa, who cautioned against rushing into the developed status without addressing foundational benchmarks necessary for sustainable growth. Rafizi agreed, highlighting the importance of building a robust infrastructure that can withstand global economic changes, stating, "As an open trading nation, Malaysia is significantly influenced by international developments."

He illustrated this point by citing potential impacts from political shifts, such as leadership changes in major economies like the United States. "We must remain vigilant about global disruptions, as they inevitably affect our economy," he noted.

Rafizi also reasserted that Kedah is a priority state for the federal government, symbolizing a broader commitment to ensure even resource distribution across the nation. The government aims to support six key states, including Sabah, Sarawak, Kelantan, Terengganu, Kedah, and Perlis, to enhance connectivity and economic balance.

Kedah's Menteri Besar, Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor, acknowledged the dialogue session's role in fostering public involvement in planning processes to encourage inclusivity. He mentioned that although Kedah has made strides in attracting investments, the goal is to enhance its contribution to the national GDP from 8% to 10%, aligning it more closely with other developed states.

Investors are increasingly viewing Malaysia as a strategic hub within the ASEAN region, and with continued commitment from both federal and state governments, the drive towards economic enhancement appears well-positioned. Could Malaysia truly ascend to developed nation status in just a few years? Only time will tell!