IDEAS congratulates the appointment of Malaysia's 10th PM Anwar Ibrahim

The Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS) extends its congratulations to the 10th Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, and to all fellow citizens who voluntarily came out to vote during the 15th General Election (GE15), contributing to above 70% of voter turnout. With the formation of the new government finally in place, the Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS) urges the new government to uphold integrity and restore public trust towards key democratic institutions. IDEAS also expresses gratitude to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong for displaying wisdom while steering the course of this process of forming government over the last week.

Among the immediate priorities of the government will be to assure the public and investors alike of political stability, in that all supporting coalition members agree to this government serving its full term of five years. IDEAS CEO Dr Tricia Yeoh states, “IDEAS congratulates Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim on the appointment of his position as Malaysia’s 10th Prime Minister. However, we stress the importance of assuring the public that this arrangement is here to stay for its full term in office, with a built-in mechanism within the coalition agreement to confirm as such. The political instability of the past two and a half years must be quickly reversed if we are to plan for rapid economic recovery.”

Among the economic priorities that must be given urgent attention include managing inflation rates, strengthening the Ringgit, improving social safety nets, providing targeted assistance to lower income groups and management of public debt in line with the respective electoral manifestos. Dr Yeoh expressed, “While Malaysia has partially recovered from the economic lockdowns of the last few years, there is a widely

expected economic recession in 2023 and the country’s leadership must be prepared to steer us steadily in the right direction to withstand any economic shocks in the coming months. On this note, the new government must table Budget 2023 before the end of this year as an immediate action to ensure expenditure is provided for the following fiscal year.”

Given that institutional reforms featured prominently within the PH Manifesto, IDEAS is hopeful that the government’s priorities on this front will include the Political Financing Act, Constituency Development Funds Act, proceeding with Fiscal Responsibility Act, reintroducing the Parliament Services Act, further advance the role of Parliament Special Select Committees, reviewing the Parliamentary Standing Orders, and separating Public Prosecutor Office from the Attorney General Chambers among others. In the medium term, enhancing electoral reforms, advocating greater voter political literacy and realising policy commitments on the Malaysia Agreement 1963 will continue to be crucial.

Given the many coalitions that form the new government, IDEAS proposes that this government keeps a much leaner Cabinet composition, perform strict and regular due diligence upon its ministerial portfolios, as well as refrain from committing excessive political appointments onto government link companies (GLCs) or federal statutory bodies (FSBs) as a way to reward political support.

Dr Yeoh added, “The GE15 campaign saw numerous unnecessary offensive remarks along the lines of race and religion. The new government made up of political parties of varied ideologies and inclinations will now have to play a crucial role in addressing the fissures in Malaysian society caused by polarisation. Building an inclusive society takes tremendous effort, and it will need great clarity and wisdom in navigating these rocky

waters. IDEAS looks forward to working with the new government to heal the nation together, alongside other interest groups representing all backgrounds.”

IDEAS Founding President Tunku Zain Al-’Abidin Tuanku Muhriz concluded, “As per the titah of SBP DYMM YDPA, ‘Yang menang tidak menang semua dan yang kalah tidak kalah semua’. IDEAS looks forward to engaging with ministers and MPs from all parties, as we have always done through our advisory councils, and now through the Parliamentary Select Committees and APPGs for the sake of our beloved Malaysia. As the first Yang diPertuan Agong stated when opening the Malayan Parliament in 1959, ‘May Parliament

win and keep the respect and regard of all… it is our expectation that Honourable Members will fight their battles on the best of terms and in a spirit of goodwill for one another.’”