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However, the overall deficit in 2020 is expected to be lower compared with 3.4% in 2019 with fiscal consolidation remaining on its trajectory and the debt position at a manageable level.

In contrast, federal government debt as at end-2018 stood at RM741 billion (51.2% of GDP), while committed guarantees added up to RM132.7 billion (9.2% of GDP).

The 2020 CPI forecast also took into account the introduction of the nation's targeted fuel subsidy in 2020

The stronger growth is underpinned by resilient domestic demand, particularly household spending, thanks to stable labour market and low inflation.

Nevertheless, household debt, which has been moderating since 2015 thanks to various macro-prudential and financial literacy measures, is expected to remain manageable in 2019 and 2020.

Global Royalty's lawyer Datuk David Gurupatham told reporters the sum was paid on Wednesday, and as far as their client is concerned, it wants the hearing of the suit to proceed as scheduled from Oct 21 to 24.

The government filed a notice of appeal on Wednesday (Oct 9) to appeal against Justice Wong Chee Lin's ruling on Sept 17 that allowed Rosmah's application.

The World Bank said in its latest East Asia and Pacific economic update that increased uncertainty could also lead to more subdued business sentiment and moderation in private sector activity.

According to previous witness Datuk Amhari Efendi Nazaruddin, in 2009, a representative of Istana Negara had refuted Jho Low's claim that he was an adviser of the Agong, who was then Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin of Terengganu.

Lokman had lodged a police report against Amhari to seek an investigation by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and police into the eighth prosecution witness for his alleged wrongdoings which emerged during his testimony, including his US$200,000 'loan' from fugitive financier Low Taek Jho.