THE government of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has announced various initiatives for economic recovery. 

Among these are the National Energy Transition Roadmap, the New Industrial Master Plan 2030, and the Hydrogen Technology and Economy Roadmap. The Rahmah menu is a great effort to help Malaysians struggling with the rising cost of living.

One area that needs to be taken into account is institutional reform to fight against bribes, corruption and power abuse. 

The government must expedite the separation of roles between the attorney-general and the public prosecutor to ensure an independent and impartial justice system.

This will help the country make a turnaround on its Corruption Perception Index scores, which have declined in recent years so that the nation now ranks 62nd among 180 countries.

It will also restore investor confidence which will help Malaysia to become among the top 30 economies in the world as envisioned for the Madani economy.

In contrast, if strong efforts are not made to prevent kickbacks and corruption, institutions will fall and ultimately destroy the economic structure. 

Take Sri Lanka, for example, where long-term corruption in the economic administration system has caused the country to collapse.

It is timely for the government to show commitment to good governance implementing institutional reform. – September 8, 2023.

 * Ahmad Shahir Abdul Aziz 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.