The government is observing prudent spending, and within limits, and was certainly not extravagant in its expenditure, says Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

"We cannot be hasty to spend and be drawn into spending.

"If we borrow, it must be for productive investment," said the prime minister who is also the Finance Minister.

Speaking at the Ministry of Finance''s Excellence Service Award ceremony here today , he said the government would ensure the nation''s debt level remained below 55 per cent.

In 2016, Najib said Malaysia''s national ''s debt level stood at 52.6 per cent.

-- BERNAMA