ECONOMY EXPECTED TO RECOVER BY NEXT YEAR, SAYS DPM

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 7 (Bernama) -- The economy is expected to recover by next
year based on the detailed planning and actions taken by the government, said
Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin.

He said in facing the economic slowdown now, the government was pursuing an
important agenda to ensure that in not too long a period, the economic situation
would improve.

"By providing a RM67 billion (about US$19 billion) economic stimulus package
which is already being spent, we hope the spillover effects will directly
benefit the man in the street," he said.

Besides this, he said the government was also taking steps to stimulate
domestic consumption and diversifying revenue streams so as not to depend on
limited avenues to improve the living standard of the people," he told reporters
after breaking of fast with Federal Territory Umno members at the Federal
Territory Mosque here Sunday.

"Fortunately our country is peaceful. This enables us to tackle issues
concerning the welfare of the people effectively, for example efforts to raise
the income level of the poor and those in the lower income group." he said.

The Deputy Prime Minister said although the government was making various
efforts to tackle problems related to the economy, it would not bear full
results without the cooperation of the people, especially the Muslims.

"In Malaysia, although we know much has been done to help the Muslims to
progress so that they can be at par with non-Muslims, we admit there are still
weaknesses that need to be rectified," he said.

As such, he urged Muslims to always remain united and take initiatives to
improve themselves as success cannot be obtained by solely depending on the
government.

Muhyiddin also presented Eid festive aid to some 200 orphans at the
function.
-- BERNAMA