A man for all seasons: The PMX, here speaking in the ‘A Conversation with Anwar Ibrahim’ session at the World Economic Forum in Davos, has worked tirelessly to convince his overseas listeners why Malaysia should be the preferred destination for investments. — Bernama
THE past one year has been good for Malaysia, with enough statistics to show it.
The ringgit has grown stronger, we have sound economic growth, strategic positioning in global supply chains, solid initiatives, and regional cooperation as we increasingly align with Singapore through efforts like the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone.
Malaysia also has robust financial management through Bank Negara Malaysia with stable monetary management.
These combinations of factors have contributed to Malaysia’s commendable economic performance.
But Malaysians also have short memories. We have almost forgotten that we had four prime ministers in a short span of time at one point.
The current Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, has been keeping a steady hand on the tiller despite continuous criticisms from his detractors.
He has worked tirelessly to compete for investments. Certainly, his persuasive skills, charm, and international networking has helped a lot on these missions.
PMX has to convince his overseas listeners that Malaysia should be the preferred destination for investments.
It is interesting that in the Indonesian media – whether mainstream or social media – they have been incessantly asking why Malaysia had been picked over Indonesia in many instances.
Despite claims that PMX’s government has turned authoritarian, the fact that critics could “wallop” the premier without any consequences proves otherwise.
Some from the legal fraternity have continuously criticised him but concealed the fact that they had represented his political opponents or could still receive retention fees.
During the Chinese New Year gatherings, one of the most frequent topics was China’s ability to produce the low-cost AI chatbot, DeepSeek. China deliberately chose to unveil this latest AI model during the Spring Festival celebrations.
Then there was the humanoid robot dance on China Central Television’s Chinese New Year Eve gala show, which has an audience of over 780 million in China annually.
The country has done well because it has remained focused.
Despite the many restrictions placed on Chinese technology companies, it has managed to find a way around them somehow.
There is no time wasted on political squabbles. There is no room for debates or dissension.
Malaysia, on the other hand, struggles with unending political issues with a seeming lack of focus on long-term development.
Politicians have stepped up efforts to play up race and religion issues because they believe a general election could be held next year or by 2027, the latest possible date to hold elections.
So we have politicians drumming up the perception that Malays – the predominant voters – are under siege.
Sponsored social media portals and podcasts hosts have become increasingly louder and critical.
It doesn’t help that some DAP leaders, usually the prime target, also scored own goals without thinking thoroughly before opening their mouths. Their brash statements are easily manipulated by their opponents.
Looking at the politics taking place, unless the components of the unity government can carve out an agreement for the next general election, we may see another round of components contesting against each other.
The last thing Malaysia needs is a repeat of shifting alliances and party-hopping, leading to instability.
Investors have begun to pick Malaysia over Indonesia and Thailand because we are finally seen as politically stable.
Likewise, Malaysia has gained more China tourists during the CNY period compared with Thailand because of our neighbour’s lack of stability.
It is further helped by the visa-free policy, great culinary appeal, pro-environment attractions, and Malaysians’ multilingual ability, including of course cultural familiarity.
A report in Tour and Travel World dated Jan 29 said many China tourists ditched Thailand for Malaysia.
It said Thailand lost out because of safety concerns following high profile cases of Chinese visitors being kidnapped.
The report said Malaysia saw a 79.2% rise in the number of Chinese visitors, many of whom said they felt welcomed in Malaysia.
So it really doesn’t help if myopic politicians continue taking potshots at mighty China and its nationals.
Fortunately, the relationship between Malaysia and China has reached a mature enough level to withstand these irritants.
Malaysia has many good things ahead of us, we can’t afford to be diverted from governance and implemented policies.
For sure, we still haven’t woken up to the fact that ethnic and religious politics are being exploited by some politicians who use them as tools to gain support and not focus on economic and structural reforms.
Political discourse is often about minor and inconsequential issues, which are amplified for no good reason.
Political manoeuvring and theatrics are allowed to dominate the news instead of real issues such as economic competitiveness and innovations.
Then there are weak institutional frameworks where corruption, money politics, and the lack of strong independent institutions allow politicians to prioritise personal and party interests over national development.
Worse, we have politicians who defend the corrupt.
In every election, populist short-term actions are promised, often in the form of subsidies, and handouts, giving the impression that many policies are designed to win elections rather than to ensure sustainable growth.
Many of these handouts, including bonuses, seriously affect our national coffers.
This is perhaps a political reality where the means must justify the ends. But for Malaysia to move forward, to achieve high-income aspirations, we cannot afford inconsistent, flip-flop policies and perceived slow reform efforts.
With a little less than two years to go before the next general election must be held, we can be sure that the national economic agenda will be disrupted by unproductive political rhetoric.
Unfortunately, those who push the race and religion issues, often the worst of the political lot, will continue dominating the headlines.
Malaysia’s strength is the moderate, diverse, and progressive make-up of her wonderful people.
For sure, we cannot allow anyone advocating a theocratic state to be voted in.
We can quarrel over the unity government but the other option is terrifying.
We can’t afford to send the wrong message to the world – and very much to the glee of our neighbouring competitors.
