Malaysian GDP to Grow Positively in Q2: Economist

KUALA LUMPUR, June 7 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian economy will continue to grow positively in the second quarter of this year despite heightened global uncertainties, according to Alliance Research. The research house's economist Manokaran Mottain said the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is projected to grow at a low four per cent for the quarter. "For the full year, at best case, we forecast growth at 4.5 per cent, slightly below the trend-wise growth of five per cent," he said in a research note on Thursday. According to Bank Negara Malaysia governor Dr Zeti Akhtar Aziz on Thursday, the country's economy will be sustained at the current level going into the second half of this year supported by the robust domestic economy. She said the business environment in the country is very supportive with an improved level of competitiveness, efficiency and continued access to financing as well as an orderly market to raise funds. Zeti said despite the economic crisis in Europe, the central bank is maintaining the growth forecast of four to five per cent for Malaysia this year and has already priced-in the effect of the eurozone economic crisis into the forecast. -- BERNAMA