LIKE the Malaysian Employers Federation, I, as an SME owner, was equally shocked by the government’s plans for progressive wage increases in both the private and public sectors.

Most SMEs are still reeling from the effects of the pandemic and numerous rounds of movement control measures.

At a time when we are just recovering, we are faced with so many other challenges, especially the ringgit’s freefall.

With Malaysia being a major importer of food and other essentials, the depreciation of the ringgit means we have to pay more for food and other daily items.

Apart from that, many of us, with children studying abroad, are also feeling the pinch.

The government of the day should be addressing issues like these and not be burdening the people further by imposing unrealistic demands on us.

Unlike in 1997, when then prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad pegged the ringgit to the US dollar, we currently do not see any structured, out-of-the-box solutions to tackle the problem.

Why is it that till today, the government has not come up with any mitigating measures for those adversely affected by the OPR hike?

There must be a plan to lift Malaysia out of this situation to regain its past glory.

From the outside, it looks like the Madani government does not have any plan at the moment.

Coming up with things like withdrawing subsidies from the T20 group is not a solution. In fact, it is a sure backfire.

Does the government not realise the T20 is a wide band and they contribute the largest chunk of taxes to the national coffers?

If Anwar is serious about holding on to Putrajaya he needs to get down to basics.

For most Malaysians it is the economy that we are most worried about, not other petty issues which the Madani government seems more focused on.

I am sorry to say but sadly, to date, the government has been a total let-down and the frustration and anger of the people are mounting each day.

Some drastic measures are needed, and these are needed right now. – July 15, 2023.

* Abdul Razak Ahmad reads The Malaysian Insight.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.