The Madani government's path to 'A' grade

BERSIH recently gave Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's Madani government a "D" grade, citing a lack of significant institutional reforms and unmet promises two years into his administration.

Anwar did not shy away. Responding proactively, he likened the grade to a school exam, noting there's still time to achieve an "A" within the next three years.

So, what would it take to make that elusive "A" a reality? There are four key areas. And since we like grades, I'll provide my subjective-non-scientific-totally-self-made-up grading (but based on fact!) and weigh the considerations.

First: Economic development (Grade: B+ / B-)

The Prime Minister's administration has made notable progress in economic development.

Malaysia's economy grew by 5.3% in Q3 2024, the ringgit is strengthening, fiscal debt is narrowing, and foreign direct investment (FDI) hit a record RM160bil in the first half of 2024 (increasing 18% year-on-year). Investment commitments from Nvidia, Google, AWS, Microsoft and others, focusing on AI, cloud computing, semiconductor, and data centres – valued at over US$17bil – promise to create significant jobs and solidify Malaysia's position as a regional tech hub.

Employment figures further bolster this positive trajectory. According to the Statistics Department, nearly 200,000 jobs were created between January 2023 and June 2024, reducing the unemployment rate. For this, the Madani government earns a solid B+ for economic growth and fiscal management. Nonetheless, stagnant wages, uneven wealth distribution, and rising living costs weigh down progress meriting a B-.

Achieving an "A" will require completing wage reforms, targeted anti-inflation measures, and ensuring equitable wealth distribution.

James Carville, former US presidential advisor aptly said, "It's the economy, stupid". As US President-elect Trump's victory has shown, Malaysia's ongoing efforts must ensure these successes translate into economic benefits for all rakyat. Without addressing these core issues, public dissatisfaction could overshadow the government's economic gains.

Second: Political reforms and governance (Grade: A- / C)

Anwar's unity government deserves an A- for maintaining political stability.

Bringing together former adversaries in a coalition is an unprecedented display of pragmatism and discipline. This model of unity governance, though fragile, offers a foundation for sustained political calm. Malaysians – businesses and the rakyat alike – deserve this stability after years of political turbulence.

Next, fighting corruption has been central, with high-profile prosecutions showcasing the administration's commitment. However, scepticism persists over selective enforcement.

Governance reforms, led by the new Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, have introduced new ideas to a rigid civil service. Considered an outsider, Shamsul Azri brings much-needed injection of energy and private-sector nous (experience gained from his former role as director-general of the Public-Private Partnership Unit). Nevertheless, as entrenched bureaucracy remains a formidable barrier, there's much to be done for the 1.7 million strong civil service.

Broader federal-state tensions over oil resources, religious administration, and taxation will continue to test the government's unity. Reforms currently earn a C, and achieving an "A" requires delivering key changes like transparent political financing, rebalancing constituency boundaries, term limits for the Prime Minister, and expanding parliamentary committees.

Nobel laureates James Robinson and Daron Acemoglu, co-authors of the book "Why Nation's Fail", emphasise that strong, inclusive institutions are vital for national success. Prioritising these reforms will rebuild public trust and ensure Malaysia's long-term sustainability.

Third: Social welfare, justice, youth and education (Grade: B+ / C)

I am a proponent of Universal Basic Income (UBI). So, the expansion of programmes like Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sara, which provide much-needed support to low-income households, as well as the school meals programme, coupled with the emphasis on TVET education, earn a B+ for addressing immediate socio-economic challenges and upwards mobility opportunities.

However, challenges persist. Subsidy rationalisation has drawn criticism for its messy rollout and perceived unfairness, particularly the T15 classification for top earners, leaving middle-income households feeling squeezed. Efforts to combat child stunting and obesity, which risk future productivity losses, remain critical for long-term growth, while making TVET attractive requires better incentivisation.

Legislatively, the government has some key achievements including abolishing the mandatory death penalty, granting Malaysian mothers the right to pass citizenship to children born abroad, and advancing gender equality, with Malaysia recognised among the top five globally for legal improvements.

However, concerns about enhanced restrictions on free expression (social media criminal liabilities) and gaps in citizenship protections for stateless children highlight areas needing urgent attention. These limitations pull the grade down to a C.

Fourth: Foreign policy, sustainability and environment (Grade: B+ / B)

Anwar earns a B+ for elevating Malaysia's global profile. His principled stance on humanitarian crises, such as the genocide in Gaza, and championing Malaysia's growing role in BRICS underline the country's increased diplomatic significance. A strong performance as Asean chair in 2025 could push this to an "A."

Domestically, sustainability efforts earn a B. Budget 2025 emphasises renewable energy and green tech, but challenges remain in tackling deforestation, biodiversity loss and aligning domestic policies with international advocacy. Malaysia's introduction of the National Planetary Health Action Plan positions it as a leader in sustainability, offering hope for significant progress.

Conclusion and call to action

This grading thought experiment has been fun. But what's clear is that there are many factors at play. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's Madani government has made commendable progress and the "A" remains within reach.

Achieving it will require focus and sincere effort. Most importantly, it's a team effort. Cabinet members, some of whom are seen as livewires, must step up to ensure impactful changes resonate with Malaysians.

For the rakyat, they must continue to hold the government accountable, but also balance their expectations between speed of reforms and longer-term goals.

Pitted against rising conservatism, ignorance, populism, and AI-driven hate speech and fake news, reform is too fraught to be rushed, yet too impatient to be kept waiting.

I remain optimistic and look forward to revisiting this piece in years to come.