POLITICAL experts said Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s government must fulfil its Budget 2024 promises and improve delivery mechanisms so its programmes meet its targets.

Ilham Centre executive director Hisomuddin Bakar said the government should prioritise three things.

First, he urged Putrajaya and Anwar to focus on implementing Budget 2024.

“With this, the government must try to restore the economy, convince investors and translate (that confidence) into investment in the country,” he said.

He said this could strengthen the ringgit and overcome cost of living issues.

“Second, the government must improve its delivery mechanism and overcome weaknesses in communicating with the people,” he said.

With good communication, he said, the government can publicise its initiatives effectively.

Third, Hisomuddin said, the Malay community’s needs must be addressed via measures informed by data.

He said this was still a weakness of Anwar’s government.

“There needs to be efforts to neutralise the opposition’s narrative.

“Whatever the strategy, this is a political step that must be taken before the end of this administration’s term if it aspires to gain another mandate,” the pollster said.

International Islamic University of Malaysia’s Tunku Mohar Tunku Mohd Mokhtar agreed the government must improve how it communicates with the people.

He said the government should elevate industries and attract foreign investment.

“The government must also focus on agricultural development, especially to address food security,” he said.

Former Klang MP Charles Santiago said the government needs to rethink its strategy for the next five years.

“There is also a great need to address issues of the working class – pay rises, (inflation) and job security.”

Universiti Teknologi Malaysia lecturer Mazlan Ali said the government must improve price controls for basic goods.

He said the government must tackle cost of living issues.

“Create more job opportunities. I’m optimistic the unity government can do this thanks to Anwar’s success in promoting Malaysia at the international level, which helped secure foreign investment,” he said.

Umno Youth chief Muhamad Akmal Saleh said Putrajaya’s next target was to improve food security and ensure affordable groceries.

“This unity government needs to prove to the people it can do this.

“We hope the unity government will do better to improve the people’s economic situation,” he said. – November 24, 2023.