Pertumbuhan ekonomi 6% tak jamin tambah hasil negara, kata Anwar

Kementerian Perdana Ibrahim stated at the National Innovation and Commercialisation Expo (NICE) 2026 in Kuala Lumpur today that the country's impressive economic performance, which recorded a 6% growth rate in the second year, does not necessarily guarantee an increase in government revenue. This growth is largely driven by sectors such as artificial intelligence (AI), data centers, and the digital economy.

The Prime Minister pointed out that the benefits of this growth are primarily in terms of development, job opportunities, and enhanced technological capabilities, rather than direct revenue generation for the government. “It does not resemble setting up factories or boosting agriculture, which provide continual returns to the nation.

However, its impact is intertwined with overall growth,” he said during his address at the NICE 2026 event. Anwar emphasized that this understanding is crucial, particularly in the context of science and technology development, which is a key focus of the government. He urged ministries, government agencies, universities, government-linked companies (GLCs), and the private sector to work closely together to enhance the nation's research, innovation, and creativity capabilities.

He stressed that synergy is vital to ensure that local research and innovation can be commercialized and benefit the national economy. “We have now reached the second stage, which is synergy with private companies, beginning with GLCs, as non-cooperation among them will weaken their efforts,” he added. Anwar stressed the need to increase the number of graduates in science and engineering fields, alongside strengthening ties between universities and industry.

He also reminded that science and technology development cannot be separated from the interests of the people.