FMM In The News: THE EDGE MARKETS, KUALA LUMPUR, Friday, January 20, 2023 -  The Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers has called for greater openness in the government administration to ensure public trust and collaboration towards achieving the country's overall economic growth and wellbeing.

Its president Tan Sri Soh Thian Lai said this in a statement commending the government's launch of the Malaysia Madani concept on Thursday, which aims to promote an inclusive and holistic collaborative approach to the development of a civilised, skilled and inclusive society with an equitable economy and good governance, where leakages are prevented and public funds are prudently and justifiably spent.

"A business-friendly regulatory environment with policies based on four key principles of credibility, clarity, consistency and certainty would ensure the ease of doing business and keep industries competitive and sustainable, and to continue growing.

"At the same time, institutional reforms with continued focus on government administration efficiency and ensuring the highest level of integrity must be at the forefront of the government's actions under the Madani concept," Soh said.

The Malaysia Madani or 'civil society' concept espoused by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is based on six core values of the policy — sustainability, prosperity, innovation, respect, trust and compassion.

Indeed, innovation is key to supporting sustainable business practices and plays a pivotal role in laying the foundation of economic development and growth, said Soh.

"At the same time, good governance and a business environment driven by transparency, integrity and accountability built on the core values of respect, trust and compassion are critical to support business growth and for the overall wellbeing of the rakyat," Soh added.