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By Vijay Eswaran
It has been nearly a yr since Malaysians went to the polls in November 2022, casting their votes with hopes of witnessing transformative change underneath a brand new authorities. Anwar Ibrahim’s victory signalled a proposed new period of governance characterised by transparency, accountability, and progress.
Anwar has largely saved his dedication to upholding the rules of transparency and accountability he promised in his election marketing campaign.
The hopes of the Malaysians who voted for him haven’t been in useless, fortuitously.
Beneath Anwar’s stewardship, the nation has since witnessed a collection of serious reforms and insurance policies aimed toward fostering progress for Malaysia on a number of fronts.
Beneath Anwar, the federal government has made important strides in fortifying the nation’s establishments, making certain that they not solely serve the individuals extra successfully but in addition stay answerable to their aspirations.
The Royal Malaysian Police Police Power underwent coaching packages emphasising group engagement, which might hopefully result in elevated belief between officers and the communities they serve.
Public well being establishments noticed an infusion of funds and sources, making certain faster response instances throughout well being crises and bettering total public well being outcomes, making them extra aware of the wants and calls for of Malaysians.
Additional, Anwar’s dedication to transparency has seen the implementation of assorted measures, reminiscent of open authorities initiatives and enhanced entry to public info, making certain that residents are well-informed concerning the workings of their authorities.
The renewed deal with these rules has restored religion in Malaysia’s political panorama and attracted funding and cooperation on the worldwide stage.
Vital achievements
One main important achievement of Anwar’s management is that he has proven a dedication to inclusivity.
His authorities initiated a number of insurance policies catering to marginalised communities, making certain they weren’t left behind.
One instance of that is the Menu Rahmah programme, in an effort to assist scale back the price of residing, particularly for the low-income group. Greater than 30,000 meals premises are providing RM5 meals underneath this initiative. Menu Rahmah contains a plate of rice, rooster or fish, and greens. It was launched on Jan 31 this yr, which could be loved for lunch or dinner.
Anwar’s promise of MADANI Malaysia, the deal with good governance, sustainable growth and racial concord, was a clarion name for unity, inclusivity, and the safety of civil liberties.
This was evident when he moved to rapidly safe the assist of Sarawak and Sabah with key cupboard appointments — together with Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof’s appointment as Malaysia’s first Deputy Prime Minister from East Malaysia — in addition to devolving additional powers to the Bornean state governments in issues of presidency procurement approvals and committing to extra shared energy based mostly on the Malaysia Settlement of 1963.
Challenges
Whereas Anwar’s authorities has made commendable strides in varied areas, it has not been with out its share of challenges and criticisms.
Anwar’s appointment of himself as finance minister was criticised for its lack of checks and balances, with many considering he ought to appoint a second finance minister.
His appointment broke his earlier promise of not permitting one particular person to carry the prime minister and finance minister roles concurrently. Furthermore, Anwar got here underneath fireplace for appointing his eldest daughter, Nurul Izzah, to function his senior adviser on economics and finance, which she finally relinquished amid allegations of nepotism.
Moreover, a whole lot rallied in opposition to Anwar’s administration, accusing it of reneging on its guarantees following the dismissal of graft prices in opposition to Deputy Prime Minister Zahid Ahmad.
Many speculated that the federal government intervened to absolve Zahid in return for his political backing of Anwar, a transfer that considerably tarnished Anwar’s trustworthiness and standing.
One different urgent concern is the federal government’s dealing with of ethnic and spiritual tensions.
Regardless of guarantees to advertise unity and inclusivity, divisive rhetoric and incidents of intolerance have persevered. As an example, cases of non secular discrimination and hate speech stay a priority, elevating questions concerning the authorities’s skill to foster a very inclusive society.
The above was evident within the latest state elections in August held in Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Penang, Kelantan, Kedah and Terengganu, which many claimed to be the primary true check of Anwar’s ruling authorities.
The outcomes noticed the ruling occasion, Pakatan Harapan, and the opposition of Perikatan Nasional retaining management of three states every.
Nevertheless, it was deemed a ‘setback’, because the ruling coalition didn’t win the essential Malay vote.
Within the schooling sector, the controversy surrounding the inclusion of the “40 Hadith” in nationwide faculties has sparked important opposition. Whereas the schooling ministry believes that this module is essential to counteract radicalism and extremism throughout the group, many really feel that the nationwide faculty curriculum already emphasises Islamic teachings excessively.
Work to be achieved
Anwar’s first yr in authorities has been a blended bag.
There have been simple strides ahead, each economically and socio-politically. But, the challenges of navigating a various nation’s aspirations, sustaining financial development, and making certain fairness are as potent as ever.
Anwar’s management, whereas progressive and impressive, must stability idealism with pragmatism, innovation with custom, and globalisation with localization.
What stays clear is that Anwar’s authorities, whereas not with out its shortcomings, has proven a dedication to alter and progress.
With the correct mix of perseverance, adaptability, and public assist, there’s each purpose to imagine that the approaching years can usher in an period of sustained development, unity, and prosperity.
Vijay Eswaran, Founder and Chairman of QI Group, is a Malaysian entrepreneur, philanthropist, creator and management/mindfulness speaker
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