PUTRAJAYA, MALAYSIA - Civil servants must ensure that all projects and programmes under the RM7bil economic stimulus package achieve their targets to help make Malaysia strong enough to weather the global economic slowdown.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said the intention of the stimulus package to help strengthen the economy would not work unless the objectives were met.

He said achieving the goals of the stimulus package would require commitment, determination and teamwork from civil servants - and it was important that they understood the big role needed to be played by the public sector.

'Previously it was the private sector that served as the engine for economic growth. But in the economic situation now, it is the public sector that will have to play this role,' he said during a meeting with civil servants here yesterday.

Abdullah said there may be those who felt that he was too optimistic in believing that the country would get through the tough economic times, but he was convinced that it could be done if civil servants believed in themselves and their abilities.

He said Malaysia had the strength because it had faced many adversities since achieving independence 50 years ago.

'When we first achieved independence, 50% of the population was poor; the level of literacy was low while infrastructure and facilities were lacking, but we have achieved so much in such a short time.

'I believe we can do it again and make the economy resilient if we have faith in ourselves and set visions,' he said.