MALAYSIA’S economic growth in 2025 is poised to exceed earlier projections, buoyed by strong performance across key sectors and sustained investor confidence, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He said the national economy remained robust, recording a commendable 4.4 per cent growth in the first half of the year, with third-quarter figures projected at 5.2 per cent.
“The overall growth this year has the potential to reach a higher level than initially forecast,” he told the Dewan Rakyat during Minister’s Question Time on Tuesday.
Responding to a question from Aminolhuda Hassan (PH–Sri Gading) on the progress of the MADANI Economic Policy, Anwar, who also serves as Finance Minister, said Malaysia’s trade performance continued to show positive momentum.
Total trade from January to September rose 4.4 per cent to RM2.24 trillion.
“This was achieved despite global economic uncertainty, particularly due to tariffs imposed by (US President) Donald Trump. Yet, total trade still increased to around RM2.24 trillion,” he said.
Anwar also highlighted that Malaysia’s competitiveness had improved significantly, as the nation climbed 11 places to rank 23rd in the 2025 World Competitiveness Index — its best performance since 2020.
The Thailand - Cambodia Peace Accord
On foreign relations, the Prime Minister clarified that Thailand’s recent suspension of its peace agreement with Cambodia was unrelated to Malaysia’s role as facilitator in the process.
He said Bangkok’s decision came after Thailand urged Cambodia to fully comply with the peace accord, which is expected to lead to the release of 18 Cambodian detainees held by Thailand.
“Thailand’s Prime Minister, Anutin Charnvirakul, has never questioned Malaysia’s role in the peace negotiations. He simply said that Cambodia must also fully comply with the agreement, and once that happens, the 18 detainees will be released,” Anwar said during the Prime Minister’s Question Time.
He was responding to a supplementary question from Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim (PN–Arau) concerning claims that Malaysia had played an outsized role in determining the direction of the peace process.
Anwar stressed that Malaysia had merely acted as coordinator in the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accord, which was signed in October.
“When I brought both Prime Ministers together, I made it clear that Malaysia’s role was only to facilitate reconciliation. They set the parameters — not us. We only coordinated, and both leaders agreed. If there is any breach, that’s where the problem arises,” he said.
He added that the recent landmine explosion along the Thai-Cambodian border, which injured several Thai soldiers, had raised concerns about whether the accord had been violated.
“Our Armed Forces Chief is in discussions over the matter. The explosion caused injuries and public outrage in Thailand, prompting questions about compliance with the peace deal. But Anutin did not deny Malaysia’s role — in fact, he confirmed it and urged full Cambodian compliance,” Anwar said. - November 11, 2025
