Experts: Hopeful start for Malaysia’s first unity government

IT has taken Malaysian politics to a new level, and now, our first ever unity government has to deal with the soaring expectations on its plate.

Although they are clocking in 100 days in office, most say more time is needed for the leaders to bring change for a better Malaysia. But so far, so good, say various experts, as the mixed government is off to a good start, setting the right tone for growth and national healing.

For one, it has placed immediate focus on urgent issues faced by the people like inflation, unemployment and the rising cost of living including food and essential goods, says political analyst Prof Dr Nik Ahmad Kamal Nik Mahmod.

“This is one of the promising developments in the country.

“The government seems to have provided plans to deal with these challenges which is a good sign of a working and functional government,” adds the National Professors Council member.

In December, the name of the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry was changed to the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry to show the government’s commitment.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had also tasked government agencies to look into strategies, including the proposal of targeted subsidies for lower-income individuals and improving incentives for the private sector.

Within the government itself, Dr Nik Ahmad Kamal finds that the cooperation between the various political parties is working.

So far, no serious disagreement on fundamental matters have yet to divide the leadership.

“The government has yet to be tested with big issues like race relations, religious issues, human rights and freedom that may split views.

“If those challenges are dealt with effectively, the government can go a long way.

“The previous issue of appointing family members into the government was a small setback but the Prime Minister seems to have handled it well,” he says.

Following claims of nepotism, Anwar’s daughter, Nurul Izzah Anwar resigned from her appointment as her father’s senior adviser on economics and finance on Feb 12 after holding the post for about six weeks.

As for the country’s economic outlook, Dr Nik Ahmad Kamal says it may be too early to judge, but it appears hopeful.

“Strategies such as the austerity drive at the government level could be more comprehensive and substantial to reduce the cost of running the government.

“But it’s good that foreign direct investments and local investors are starting to return.

“The recent improvement of our ringgit against the US dollar is also helping the economy to grow and bring back investors,” he notes.

On the international front, he notes it was important that Anwar visited neighbouring countries, especially Singapore, Indonesia, Brunei and Thailand to deal with various outstanding issues.

“It is an important strategy to gain the confidence of our neighbours that the new government will strive to continue its good and cordial relationship with them,” he adds.

But beyond the 100 days, the promises made to the people during the general election have to be translated into action.

“The manifesto has to be implemented over the government’s five-year tenure and it starts with the Budget 2023,” says Dr Nik Ahmad Kamal.

For now, he believes the leadership’s main achievement is having a Cabinet with a mixture of parties, which used to be on opposite sides and carrying with them different ideologies.

Dr Syed Arabi: Malaysia Madani now remains conceptual.

“If they can continue to work together and iron out differences along the way, Malaysia can achieve a lot,” he adds.

Likewise, International Islamic University Malaysia political analyst Prof Datuk Seri Dr Syed Arabi Idid believes 100 days is a short duration for the government to clinch any big feats.

And undoubtedly, it has a big task ahead.

“The country suffered badly after 2020 because of Covid-19 and political instability that unfolded.

“So the government now must be seen to deliver rather than be seen in talking about deliverables,” he says.

Nevertheless, Dr Syed Arabi agrees that the formation of the unity government itself is an achievement, bringing political stability compared to the circumstances after the 2018 general election.

The current government is also leaner, and he hopes all ministers will present clear directions and policies to the public.

He also welcomes the Malaysia Madani concept as a slogan to reflect the government’s approach, based on its thrusts: sustainability, care and compassion, respect, innovation, prosperity, and trust.

“Yet, the government needs to come out with specific programmes to win over the support of the people.

“Right now, Madani remains conceptual,” Dr Syed Arabi says.

It was also much needed when the government made a clear stand on fighting corruption.

“But it has to show action by going further to weed out the malpractice,” he stresses.

Dr Yeah: The economy is on the right track.

Adding that the country must rise above past financial scandals, Sunway University professor of economics Dr Yeah Kim Leng says it is hoped the new government can put Malaysia on the path to realising its full potential.

“The economy is on the right track based on its higher than expected 8.7% growth in GDP (gross domestic product) for 2022,” he says, adding that this figure surpassed the previous estimated growth of between 6.5% and 7%.

But more importantly, Dr Yeah says Anwar’s government has set several key values or ethos that will help strengthen economic foundations.

“This includes plans to reduce corruption, enhance good governance, raise government efficiency and effectiveness, as well as refocusing on the economic agenda,” he explains.

Dr Yeah believes such initiatives and the tone of the government will increase investor confidence.“They should sustain this performance beyond 100 days to fully secure the sentiments of investors for the short and medium term,” he says, adding that the stability of the unity government will be closely watched.

If the government can persevere through strong leadership, then there is a good chance Malaysia’s economy will flourish to its full potential, he says.