KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's economic growth rate of 5.9% between 2021 and 2022 was achieved under the stewardship of Perikatan Nasional, says Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin.

"During the two years between 2021 and 2022, the nation experienced an average GDP growth of 5.9%.

"Also 90% of projects under the 12th Malaysia Plan were implemented according to schedule, of which 100% of these projects were completed.

"But why do some keep saying that things were worse under the previous administration when this is not true," the Opposition leader said when debating the 12MP mid-term review in Parliament on Tuesday (Sept 12).

Hamzah (PN-Larut) added that the nation's economy grew by 8.7% last year, the fastest in the last 22 years, surpassing several Asean countries.

"All this is based on data when Perikatan was the government.

"No one can deny Perikatan's ability in governing the nation and a fact will remain a fact," he said.

Hamzah also questioned the government's effort in eradicating hardcore poverty by 2025.

"The Prime Minister has been saying recently that he wants to put a full stop to hardcore poverty.

"Even developed countries cannot eradicate hardcore poverty.

"It may be reduced but not tally eradicated," he said.

He noted that the Prime Minister said he wanted to eradicate hardcore poverty by the end of this year, much earlier than the 2025 target.

"I am happy that the Prime Minister has such confidence.

"But what is the yardstick that will be used to gauge if hardcore poverty has been eradicated?" he added.

Abdul Latiff Abdul Rahman (PN-Kuala Krai) reminded Hamzah that there were only three months left before the end of this year.