WHILE it is still too early to rate Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s performance as the nation’s leader and finance minister, the Tambun MP has so far shown high commitment to eradicate corruption and lift the economy, economists said.

They said there are glimpses of success after 100 days of Anwar’s leadership, but said to see a full result, the public must give the new government a little more time.

Anwar leads a unity government comprising Pakatan Harapan, Barisan Nasional, Gabungan Parti Sarawak, Gabungan Rakyat Sabah, and Warisan.

Since November 24, his first day in office, Anwar has taken a strong stance against corruption and towards lifting the economy, especially in relation to low-income groups in the country.

The authorities have arrested several people who handled Jana Wibawa, a scheme introduced by an earlier administration.

The economists said Anwar’s seriousness in fighting corruption can bring back the confidence of foreign investors and set a good example for the people.

Putra Business School academic Ahmed Razman Abdul Latiff said in less than 100 days, the government managed to come up with Menu Rahmah – an initiative to ensure the poor are able to consume healthy, affordable meals as the prices of raw materials increase.

Razman also praised the government for coming up with the People’s Income Initiative (PII), aimed at increasing the incomes of the hardcore poor and B40 groups.

“To rate him in 100 days is too early. It must be more than 100 days, but so far there are successes we can attribute to the government.

“Menu Rahmah, the PII, the fight against corruption, the smaller cabinet size, and limiting the spending of high-ranking government officials… These are baby steps taken to improve the economy and the quality of our livelihoods.

“His visit to Asean countries and receiving foreign delegates to his office, all these show he is getting attention and this could attract business. People will be confident in his leadership,” said Razman.

Badrul Hisyam Ismail of Iman Research said although it is too early to project Malaysia’s economic trajectory, the country is on the right track.

“Our economy depends on the global economy, but at least he (Anwar) has done the right things, like reducing the number of cabinet members, fighting corruption, and trying to get back 1MDB money.

“It is too early to see results. It may take time but we are on a good path,” Badrul said.

On Sunday, Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli said PII will leverage the public and private sectors as well as the community to spur economic growth at the grassroots level via collaboration between the government, the people, and strategic partners.

The PII involves three main segments – the Agro Entrepreneur Initiative (INTAN), Food Entrepreneur Initiative (INSAN) and Services Operator Initiative (IKHSAN) – and is aimed at overcoming economic problems such as agriculture product shortages, expensive ready-to-eat foodstuffs, and difficulty securing workers for certain sectors.

Under INTAN, the government will open up 800 acres (323.7ha) of federal government land to give agro-entrepreneurs an opportunity to be involved in agricultural activities and focus on crops with high trade volume and demand.

The land area will be expanded to 5,000 acres through a collaboration with state governments.

Malaysia’s pilot project

Economist Barjoyai Bardai said if the PII is a success, the project can be expanded nationwide with some improvements.

He said it is important for the government to address the low income rate and high cost of living.

“The PII is … a very promising plan involving agriculture, food security and entrepreneurship.

“If this is a success, it can be expanded to other areas with more participation, and this can become a solution to our low wages and high cost issues,” he said.

Rafizi, who is also Pandan MP, was the architect for PII, a RM750 million programme aimed at training some 120,000 hardcore poor households to grow crops, sell cooked food and provide services to raise their income level.

The project, which Rafizi described as a way to give the poor the proverbial “fishing rod”, attracted polarising views, with some public policy advocates predicting it would fail.

PII critics said it would be better to give recipients autonomy to decide how best to use the money.

Under the PII, participants will be given training and a monthly supplemental income of up to RM2,500 – depending on the programme – for up to two years.

The three economists said another good move by the unity government was to clear some 130,000 people with bankruptcy issues.

Razman said it means those affected can start building new livelihoods.

“If they couldn’t do business (before), they can now, and this will certainly help them economically. This will improve their livelihoods as well as their families’ (well-being),” he said. – March 4, 2023.