Malaysia

Fiscal reform must align with trade and investment strategy to sustain growth, says MIER chief

The nagtion’s fiscal reforms need to be closely integrated with its trade and investment strategies to support high-potential industries and maintain medium-term economic growth

Updated 6 months ago · Published on 01 Feb 2026 8:38AM

Fiscal reform must align with trade and investment strategy to sustain growth, says MIER chief
Sulaiman cautions against broad-based support, stressing that assistance should not be distributed indiscriminately - February 1, 2026

MALAYSIA must ensure that its fiscal reform agenda complements its trade and investment strategies if the country is to sustain economic growth over the medium term, the head of the Malaysian Institute of Economic Research (MIER) said today.

MIER executive director Tan Sri Sulaiman Mahbob said such alignment was crucial to support industries with strong growth potential and the capacity to generate higher value for the economy.

“Assistance needs to be channelled to industries that have the potential to become more productive and are able to contribute high value-added to the economy,” he said when appearing as a guest on TV3’s business and finance talk show Money Matters.

However, Sulaiman cautioned against broad-based support, stressing that assistance should not be distributed indiscriminately. Instead, he said careful studies were needed to identify sectors with the highest potential for sustainable growth and productivity gains.

He also said Malaysia’s encouraging economic performance, coupled with political stability, placed the country in a favourable position to attract foreign investors looking to relocate or diversify their investments into Malaysia. - February 1, 2026

Spotlight

Trump’s North Korea gamble deepens Asia’s doubts over US alliances

Malaysia

Rayer denies involvement in 'Maha Kali Red Rally', claims name and photo misused

Malaysia

E-Hailing driver charged with attempted murder after allegedly setting worker on fire

Business

Nation’s economic outlook strengthens as leading index signals continued growth

Malaysia

‘No parent wants her child to be remembered this way,’ says mother of 14-year-old Keziah

Malaysia

RM1.96m Penang land probe: Two ‘Datuks’ remain in custody

Business

K8 cargo: Businessman seeks clarification from MOF, Customs, Petronas

Malaysia

PH leaders hold talks as Melaka election plans take shape

Malaysia

Bersama rejects political alliances, vows to go solo in Melaka state election

You may be interested

Malaysia

20 China nationals remanded over suspected telegram love scam syndicate in Penang

Malaysia

Burnt Qurans found near Senawang football field, police investigate

Malaysia

Melaka election: MCA targets seven seats, aims to take two from DAP

Malaysia

MEF: Employers want faster approvals and fewer delays

Malaysia

Ronnie Liu’s PBM may be set to ‘punch above its weight’

Malaysia

Anwar vows stronger Federal ties with Sabah, Sarawak ahead of MA63 talks

Malaysia

Teen found dead after disappearing during tahfiz programme in Negeri Sembilan

Malaysia

Billionaire numbers reach record high as wealth remains concentrated

By Alfian Z.M. Tahir