GOVT WILL ENSURE ECONOMY REMAINS IN GOOD STEAD NEXT YEAR, SAYS M'SIAN PM

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 19 (Bernama) -- The Government will ensure the country's
economy remains in good stead next year as it will not be spared from the impact
of the world economic crisis, Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said Thursday.

The prime minister said the government had taken several measures to ensure

prudent management of the economy to avoid from slipping into recession.

"Currently, our economic position is good. Our measures are to develop a
resilient economy. I believe our economy has resilience.

"The nation's banking system is also vibrant and is being managed
efficiently. Our currency position is also quite strong.

"We also have the strength of the domestic economy and domestic
consumption.
I'm confident these strength will empower our economic resilience," he
said.

Abdullah said the economy registered 4.7 percent growth in the third
quarter of this year aided by the strong domestic economy and domestic
consumption growth.

"God Willing, if we can achieve two or 2.5 percent, then the growth for
2008
will be more than five percent.

"Nonetheless, this does not mean 2009 will be a comfortable year for us. We
must build upon our strength on the potential of our growth sectors," he said.

Among the growth sectors are agriculture, tourism and Islamic banking, he
added.
-- BERNAMA