IT HAS been a trying year for Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim as his government marks its first year this week, observers said.

They said the unity government continues to face various pressing issues, including the rising cost of living, which affect every Malaysian.

However, they also believe he government has been doing its best, including by introducing several policies to ease the burden of the people.

Among the initiatives were Menu Rahmah that offered affordable meals for everyone and introducing targeted subsidies for rice, flour, cooking oil, eggs, electricity, petrol, diesel and cooking gas (liquid petroleum gas).

Others include the Payung Rahmah programme to help reduce the cost of living for the B40 community and the hardcore poor. The National Action Council on Cost of Living was also been set up to identify issues and challenges related to the cost of living.

The observers also praised Anwar for keeping the unity government together, working hand-in-hand with all parties despite their differences in the past.

Below are comments from political observers, pollsters and politicians on the government’s first year in power.

1. What has worked well for the government and what significant changes has the government made for Malaysians?

International Islamic University of Malaysia’s Tunku Mohar Tunku Mohd Mokhtar said considering that the 2022 general election did not result in a majority party winning it, Anwar’s success in keeping the unity government intact is remarkable.

However, he also said the prime minister is constrained by the allies in doing what he wants, including the reforms his pact Pakatan Harapan (PH) promised before the elections.

There have yet to be significant changes, but small steps such as the Rahmah initiatives, increased aid to the poor and reduction of subsidies for the rich are worthy of mention, he said.

Universiti Teknologi Malaysia lecturer Mazlan Ali said the unity government has given the people hope towards the recovery of the country’s economy and political stability.

“Anwar’s performance is seen as extraordinary, far ahead of his predecessors and he is seen as a very hard worker.

“Among his achievements is bringing Malaysia towards a clear economic direction, attracting foreign investment commitments, promoting Malaysia at the international level and providing an increasingly sustainable annual budget (less deficit but with increased subsidies for the people).”

Umno Youth chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh, meanwhile, said the unity government’s first-year accomplishment was in bringing together all races and cooperation with other parties in the government.

“As a leader, Anwar is doing very well. He has been engaging with everyone in the coalition and everyone is comfortable with him.

“This is a good indicator for him to carry on working for the next four years.”

Apart from that, he said cooperation among the various parties in the unity government has grown.

“Previously we could see negative sentiments between DAP and Umno, but now we are getting closer and we know each other better.”

Meanwhile, former Klang lawmaker Charles Santiago said that Anwar’s administration shows that it has a strong parliamentary stability compared to the previous governments.

He said this would ease worries that there could be another collapse in government.

“There was a shift in 2020 where Muhyiddin Yassin became the prime minister (following the Sheraton Move).

“Then there was another coup d’etat in 2021, where Ismail Sabri Yaakob replaced Muhyiddin.

“Now the situation is one where the prime minister’s position is stable and getting stronger,” he said, adding that the recent support from four Bersatu lawmakers has made Anwar’s position even stronger with 151 MPs.

Ilham Centre executive director Hisomuddin Bakar credited Anwar’s leadership qualities in managing his government.

“He has shown in his tenure as prime minister a strong work ethic with almost 20 overseas work visits, whether involving the Palestinian issue, diplomatic visits, or trying to convince foreign investors.

“On the international stage, he has positioned Malaysia as an important actor among Islamic countries by defending the Palestinian people,” he said.

2. What is still lacking? What has the government failed to provide?

Tunku Mohar said critics are unhappy with the slow pace of institutional reforms.

“The government has also not been able to respond to criticisms and constant attacks from the opposition, which affects public trust in the government.”

Mazlan agreed that issues related to the promise of reforms are yet to be addressed. 

“There is hope in that direction (reforms), but it is still vague and the unity government is seen to still have a lot of constraints to carry out complete reforms as they had promised before.

“There is progress when programmes that focus on transparent administration benefit the people.”

Akmal said addressing the economic situation of the people is crucial.

“I think the bigger challenge now is to prove it can tackle the current economic situation, with issues such as cost of living, employment and others.”

3. What were the key issues facing the unity government this year?

Tunku Mohar said major issues included the rising cost of living, the weakening ringgit and a hostile opposition.

Mazlan agreed, adding that the main issues faced by the unity government throughout the year had been challenges from the opposition.

“Although the PH and Barisan Nasional alliance still retained three states, namely Penang, Selangor and Negri Sembilan, Perikatan Nasional’s influence is increasing, especially among the Malays.

“The other significant challenge is the fall of the ringgit value, which causes the price of goods to increase. The government has worked hard to overcome it.”

Akmal said it was important to improve the economy.

“Otherwise it is going to be a tough year ahead,” he warned.

Hisommudin also felt that the government has to improve the domestic economy.

He said the issue of inflation has brought with it endless complaints directed at the government.

“The lack of local white rice supply, the withdrawal of chicken subsidies, and the supply of padi seeds have all been the subject of comments and criticism on social media.

“It has had some impact on the performance and competence of some ministries related to the matter,” he said.

4. How have the people benefited?

Tunku Mohar said the government has been serious in addressing the plight of the poor through not only handouts, but also implementing initiatives to lift them out of poverty.

Mazlan, meanwhile, said that among the policies that had benefited the people included incentives such as increased cash assistance, a people-friendly budget, lowering the price of internet services and maintaining subsidies.

Hisommudin said, Budget 2024, which has the largest-ever allocation in Malaysian history, is a daring move to allocate large subsidies for the welfare of the people while at the same time stimulating the financial cycle in the domestic economy.

He admitted it would take time for the people to feel the assistance provided.

“Perhaps the impact will only be seen in the near future.

“Although armed with a budget that silences criticism and dissatisfied voices, the government’s information and propaganda agencies seem less effective in playing the role of explaining policies to the people,” he said. –  November 21, 2023.