RAWANG, Oct 8 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak today said the government is still confident of achieving an economic growth of between five to six percent this year.

"I say at this moment, this is what we think. Of course, if there is a sharp downturn, then it would be a different story. It will affect the whole world without any exception, " he told reporters at a press conference after a meeting with the people session at the SJK (C) Kundang, here Saturday.

Najib said at present, the country can still achieve the five to six per cent economic growth due to the strong domestic demand and the restructuring of Malaysia's total trade.

Malaysia trade now with Asean and East Asia represents 46 per cent of its total trade, while with Europe it is about nine per cent and the United States, about 10 percent.

"Given that sort of economic scenario, we are still confident of achieving five to six per cent growth, especially if government projects are implemented according to schedule," he said.

On the deficit, Najib said: "This year we will achieve 5.4 (per cent of Gross Domestic Product ). Next year, we say, it will go down to 4.7 but the total debt we are monitoring and it should be quite comfortable."

--BERNAMA