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![]() Friday, October 23, 1998 Published at 12:52 GMT 13:52 UK ![]() ![]() Business: The Economy ![]() Mahathir's spending spree for recovery ![]() The PM reversed many of Mr Anwar's financial policies ![]()
This is the exact opposite of the advice given by the International Monetary Fund. The budget statement included a series of measures intended to revive Malaysia's flagging economy by increasing spending and making borrowing cheaper.
Dr Mahathir used the budget speech to reiterate his attack on foreign currency speculators and Western financial institutions, blaming their greed and policies for much of Asia's economic crisis. He called for the "support of the majority of the people" to counter the effects of speculation, saying: "Our nation will be revitalised and attempts to recolonise us will therefore fail." Riot police
Police in central Kuala Lumpur used water cannon to disperse around 200 supporters of the deposed deputy prime minister and finance minister, Anwar Ibrahim, who gathered at the national mosque to demand political reform. Demonstrations in support of Mr Anwar, who is awaiting trial on charges of corruption and sexual misconduct, have been declared illegal. Mega-projects
He said the economy would shrink 4.8 % this year in the country's first recession in 13 years, but the stimulus package would spur a mild recovery in 1999.
The budget amounts to a direct reversal of the austerity measures announced by Mr Anwar in his role as finance minister when Asia's economic crisis first hit Malaysia last year. Mr Anwar had called for the slashing of government spending and the postponement of some mega-projects favoured by the prime minister in Malaysia's drive to achieve industrialised nation-status by the year 2020. The spending plans will mean Malaysia's first deficit in more than a decade - more than 6 % of total output. The BBC's economics correspondent says the general view is that the policy may work in the short-term by giving the economy a boost, but the long-term risks are huge. Part of the reason behind Malaysia's economic difficulties is the huge debts owed to banks - now firms are being encouraged to borrow more. Critics say the results of today's proposals will be inflationary and doubt if the government will reform the banking system and restructure industry in the way that is needed. ![]() |
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