Debt, deceit and delay: Malaysia's hidden fiscal crisis


BANK Negara Malaysia’s (BNM) latest update reveals the Federal Government’s direct debt has reached RM1.277 trillion, pushing the debt-to-GDP ratio to around 66% and breaching the 65% statutory ceiling.

Predictably, social media is lit up with politically charged claims. Many simplistically argue that “Najib’s debt was safer,” citing lower ratios then. But they miss the real question: how much of that debt was simply hidden?

The Star Christmas Special Promo: Save 35% OFF Yearly. T&C applies.

Monthly Plan

RM 13.90/month

Best Value

Annual Plan

RM 12.33/month

RM 8.02/month

Billed as RM 96.20 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In Columnists

Precious pearls of wisdom on bead insertion
What a foot-stomping year
In 2026, stability must become delivery
Tech war endgame
All the world’s a stage
Our 2026 resolution: Spend wisely
Betrayal and power struggle in Perlis
A year of changes – or not
Finding fault is easy, finding winning talent is difficult� �
Answers needed on Johor water

Others Also Read