Malaysia PM Anwar seeks economic boost as headwinds strengthen

Experts say rising conservatism could end up denting investor confidence

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim speaks at the Unity Government Convention in Kuala Lumpur in May. Anwar now must worry about a growing conservative bent among voters. (Photo by Norman Goh)

NORMAN GOH, Nikkei staff writer

September 15, 2023 10:48 JST

KUALA LUMPUR -- Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is fighting through gusting economic headwinds as slow external demand hits a country that serves as a regional manufacturing hub and commodity exporter.

Earlier this week, the prime minister tabled to parliament a midterm review of the country's five-year economic growth plan through 2025, stressing that his government intends to foster "high growth, high value" digital technology, rare earth and other industries to boost growth.