KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is at a critical juncture with initiatives like the Bumiputera Economic Transformation Plan 2035 (PuTERA35), a civil servants' salary hike, and heightened efforts in online safety shaping its future.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's PuTERA35 aims to elevate Bumiputera development and position Malaysia as a regional leader.
Economist Professor Dr Barjoyai Bardai joined us in the latest episode of Beyond the Headlines to highlight realistic economic projections and careful management of risks.
The government's recent 15 per cent salary hike for civil servants, the first since 2012, aims to address wage disparities and boost morale.
Barjoyai addressed questions about its economic viability when factoring in the national debt, inflation, and long-term sustainability.
Separately, as children face increasing risks online, from harmful content to cyberbullying, efforts to enhance digital safety are vital.
Corston-Smith founder Datuk Shireen Ann Zaharah Muhiudeen stressed the importance of empowering parents and schools to protect children in the digital age.
The upcoming International Legal Conference on Online Harms will address these challenges, with global experts shaping Malaysia's approach to online safety legislation.
Malaysia's future hinges on balancing ambitious economic goals with inclusivity, fiscal responsibility, and safeguarding vulnerable communities in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Barjoyai also emphasised the need for realistic planning and vigilant oversight to ensure these initiatives benefit all Malaysians.