He said the country’s nominal gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate was projected to rise to 5.9% last year, a stark contrast to the 6.2% contraction recorded in 2020.

According to Anwar, who is also the finance minister, the improvement takes into account key economic indicators such as growth, inflation rates, gross fixed capital formation, and investment.

“If we look at the macroeconomic performance in 2024, we can be somewhat relieved. Firstly, in terms of growth, and secondly, the low inflation rate of 1.8%.

“Thirdly, gross fixed capital formation increased by 12%, and fourthly, Bursa Malaysia recorded a 12.9% increase in 2024, which is quite significant over a four-year period,” he told the Dewan Rayat during Prime Minister’s Question Time today.

He was responding to Awang Hashim (PN-Pendang), who asked the government to clarify the country’s GDP value and nominal growth rate from 2020 to 2024.

Anwar said these economic achievements had positively impacted key investment vehicles such as Amanah Saham Bumiputera (ASB) and EPF.

“This strong performance resulted in ASB delivering its highest returns in five years, while EPF recorded a 6.3% dividend, the highest since 2017,” he said, referring to EPF’s recently announced dividend rates for both conventional and shariah-compliant savings.

He added that the economic benefits had enabled the government to improve the retirement system, increase civil servant salaries, and expand social assistance for those in need.

“The Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah cash aid has been increased to RM13 billion – the highest in history – providing direct benefits to the people, including better job opportunities,” he said.