KUALA LUMPUR, March 3 (Bernama) — A 100-day period is not a really a long time, but somehow seems enough to prove Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s commitment and determination to make Malaysia roar again as an Asian Tiger through his Malaysia MADANI concept.

Steps towards reviving and strengthening the country’s economy were taken and expedited with the formation of a government that is strongly centred on integrity and accountability, and consistent in the war against corruption which Anwar’s pledged as soon as he was sworn in as Malaysia’s 10th Prime Minister on Nov 24 last year.

Law lecturer from International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) Assoc Prof Datuk Dr Shamrahayu Ab Aziz said the emphasis given on these matters was vital for the government and it was obviously prominent during this 100-day period.

“Maybe people will say that the government is slow in terms of implementation, or in introducing new programmes or initiatives for the people, for example, but the prime minister’s strategy in this context is important because he needs, first and foremost, a government that understands the aspirations, the things he wants to achieve,” she said.

In his approach to building a unified Cabinet, Anwar also introduced the Unity Government Ministers’ Retreat, filled with special briefing sessions that cover all important aspects of strengthening the government service delivery system and governance.

Among his reform agendas in government administration, Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, also stressed that approvals for government procurements under his leadership can no longer be conducted without tender.

In fact, at his very first press conference after swearing in as Prime Minister, Anwar also gave assurance that his government will not compromise on ensuring and recognising the rights, citizenship, and opportunities of every race, religion and region in this country

The Tambun Member of Parliament also introduced the concept of Malaysia MADANI as a new direction for his Unity Government in its effort to drive and restore Malaysia’s dignity and glory in the global arena.

Political analyst of Universiti Sains Malaysia Prof Dr Sivamurugan Pandian said Anwar’s strong character prevailed through his actions and decisions that are not tied to populist agenda despite the fact that it really could help him get a better acceptance rating from the people.

The lecturer from the School of Social Sciences at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) said Anwar instead prioritised efforts to ‘straighten out’ various sectors in the country to improve the economy so that the impact could be felt by the people as a whole.

“If he wants to be a populist, he can just allow the EPF (Employees Provident Fund) withdrawals or fulfil the promises made when he was in the opposition bloc, as demanded by many, such as reducing the petrol price or raising the salaries of civil servants.

“Perhaps these 100 days are more of an adjustment phase, of how to stabilise the economy and the government made of multiple coalitions. Besides, he comes in when the country is struggling with political crises, economic recession and the health sector that needs proper attention,” he said.

Within that 100 days, the Prime Minister also established Malaysia Agreement 1963 Implementation Action Council to resolve the many pending issues pertaining to the agreement and gave assurance that every agreement inked with Sabah and Sarawak, including MA63, shall be honoured and fulfilled.

In this context, another political analyst, Assoc Prof Dr Awang Azman Awang Pawi from Universiti Malaya (UM) said it gave a good signal that Anwar really walks the talk.

“He is a person who walks the talk and he will get it done during this administration. The question now is how long the implementation process will take?”

“We can see his commitment. (But) after these 100 days, he may need more time to plan, draft, identify and find the best solutions, and not just do something that is only populist,” he said.

The issues of people’s welfare, especially relating to the rising cost of living, remain Anwar’s priority and the first topic that he discussed with top government officials even before his Cabinet was announced.

In fact, his first instruction as the Prime Minister was for the Padiberas Nasional Berhad (BERNAS) to allocate RM50 million this year to help padi farmers, apart from other initiatives such as Rahmah Cash Aid and Rahmah Menu, as well as the decision to maintain the electricity tariff and overnight policy rate (OPR).

In Budget 2023 amounting to RM388.1 billion which he tabled on Feb 24, Anwar’s government also allocates RM750 million to help approximately 130,000 poor people to get out of poverty.

Tomorrow will be Anwar’s 100th day in Prime Minister’s Office.

Despite being known as a stern and non-nonsense person, there is a ‘cool’ side of him when he ditched the necktie culture and doesn’t wear one at most of his official events, even during parliamentary sittings, which has been seen by many as a symbol of equality like the aphorism that is often said, sits equally low and stands equally high, as others.

It doesn’t take long for everyone to notice that every member of his Cabinet has also chosen not to wear neckties as part of their formal wear.

In addressing the people’s issues, Anwar has also introduced the Prime Minister’s Question and Answer Session in Parliament, where questions related to the people can be asked by Members of Parliament directly to him.

However, how far the no-necktie culture, the Malaysia MADANI concept, and the emphasis on integrity and accountability can strengthen the economy to enable Malaysia to roar again as an Asian Tiger will depend on the people’s acceptance and support for the government’s initiatives.

Nevertheless, Merdeka Center survey did find that 68 per cent of Malaysian people are satisfied with the performance of the 10th Prime Minister so far.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency