LETTERS: There have been several claims recently that need to be corrected with factual and contextual perspectives for a fairer assessment of the achievements and challenges faced by the current administration led by Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
For example, the claim that the "majority of Malays continue to support Perikatan Nasional (PN)" is inaccurate.
This is evident from PN's losses in the latest by-elections in Malay-majority constituencies, including Nenggiri, Kelantan and Mahkota, Johor.
The claim that "Anwar is attempting to woo Malay votes by focusing on religious issues" is also incorrect.
He has consistently advocated an inclusive approach, rather than exploiting religious issues to attract Malay voters.
In contrast, PN frequently emphasises religious narratives as its main political strategy.
Instead, Anwar has focused on social justice, national unity and integrity without leveraging religious sentiments.
His firm stance on the Palestinian issue in international forums, for instance, is grounded in humanitarian concerns, not religious motives — a position even supported by PN leaders.
Next is the claim that the first two years of Anwar's administration brought no significant changes for the Chinese community.
Again, this is inaccurate. The government under Anwar prioritised resolving fundamental economic and governance issues during this initial period.
Upon taking office, the Madani government set a clear direction that past missteps should not be repeated. Hence, the focus on championing the principles of good governance from the outset.
Through multiple budgets, including the 2025 Budget tabled on Oct 18, the government emphasised economic recovery, innovation and equitable wealth distribution.
Key measures include targeted subsidies for fuel, education and healthcare; public service reform and minimum wage increases.
Some notable economic achievements include:
1. Malaysia's GDP grew by 5.3 per cent in Q3 2024, exceeding expectations.
2. Overall and core inflation stabilised at 1.9 per cent in Q3 2024.
3. The ringgit gained 14.9 per cent against the US dollar in Q3 2024, ranking as one of the best-performing currencies globally.
4. As of August 2024, unemployment fell to 3.2 per cent, the lowest since January 2020.
5. Record investment approvals reached RM329.5 billion, the highest ever recorded.
6. Market capitalisation exceeded RM2 trillion, with the FBM KLCI index surpassing 1,600 points.
The criticism that Anwar is "buying time" on the MA63 Agreement issue is also baseless.
Eleven demands under the MA63 negotiation platform have been successfully resolved — seven of them during Anwar's administration.
The criticism that PN possesses a clearer and more coherent ideology is debatable.
PN has repeatedly failed to present comprehensive alternative policies to address the nation's key issues, such as targeted fuel subsidies.
Furthermore, PN has not produced a Shadow Cabinet or Alternative Budget.
In contrast, Anwar has introduced holistic strategic policies.
Economic growth and equitable development are guided by the New Industrial Master Plan, the National Energy Transition Roadmap, the National Semiconductor Strategy, the KL20 Strategic Plan, and the Bumiputera Economic Transformation Plan.
Fiscal policies are strengthened through the Public Finance and Fiscal Responsibility Act, the Public-Private Cooperation Master Plan, and targeted subsidies.
Governance and integrity are upheld through the National Anti-Corruption Strategy, amendments to the Audit Act 1957, and measures to combat bureaucratic inefficiency.
Clear guidelines outlined in the Unity Government Agreement provide a roadmap for all component parties — be it Pakatan Harapan, Barisan Nasional, Gabungan Parti Sarawak, or Gabungan Rakyat Sabah.
The coalition has not only maintained political stability but also increased public support over the past two years.
In this regard, two years of Anwar's leadership should be viewed as a period of solid foundational building for a more progressive and inclusive Malaysia.
DR WAN HASHIM WAN TEH
Emeritus Professor
Faculty of Defence and Management Studies
Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia