No surprise Anwar’s approval ratings down

 

The latest Merdeka Center survey on Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s approval ratings was hardly a surprise.

After a year in office, it is very clear that Malaysians are disappointed with the PM’s performance for a variety of reasons. Public expectations were high when Anwar was sworn in as the nation’s 10th prime minister on Nov 24 last year.

Where did Anwar go wrong over the past year? The survey stated that a growing proportion of Malaysians are dissatisfied with the PM and his Madani government mostly due to economic concerns.

We are all aware that the economy is in very bad shape and requires urgent fixing. What we should also understand is that a lack of effective governance can undermine economic development efforts.

Addressing economic malaise often requires a combination of monetary and fiscal policies, structural reforms, and efforts to promote education and innovation as well.

At times, we can’t help but wonder whether the PM and his ministers are looking into these matters seriously. Or is fixing the economy a low priority of the Madani government?

Seriously, we can’t help but notice that Anwar has talked more about the Palestinian cause since the Middle East conflict erupted more than a month ago than about suffering Malaysians back home. Talk of misplaced priorities!

Anwar should not blame those who think that he has become very obsessed about being recognised as an international Islamic hero. So much so that we wonder, at times, whether he is the prime minister of Palestine or Malaysia.

Political instability was cited by the Merdeka Center survey as another reason for the people’s poor outlook on the country’s future.

That is a fact. Since the Sheraton Move in 2020, political instability has plagued the nation and four years and three prime ministers later, it has not gone away.

Just when we thought that we had a semblance of stability with the formation of the unity government, came the distractions of rising religious fervour and racial tension.

We also witnessed a growing number of new, unfit MPs who used the august chamber to score political points, shamelessly causing ruckuses in the process.

I shudder at the thought of the poor quality of lawmakers who are sitting in Parliament and partaking in the passage of new legislation.

Why, we also have a newbie MP with a doctorate degree who gave a deceased ex-prime minister of a neighbouring country a new surname and thinks that he is still living. Seriously, how low can we go?

Political instability and Bersatu rogues

If Anwar and the Madani government think that addressing political instability means that they must have the numbers at all costs, then they are only prolonging the problem.

We have seen several rogue Bersatu MPs pledging their support to the government. I consider support in exchange for allocations a form of bribery. That is only temporary “stability” for the government, at best.

Those in power today must understand that addressing political instability often requires a comprehensive approach, including political reforms, strengthening institutions, promoting good governance and fostering inclusive political processes.

Stable political environments are generally conducive to sustainable economic development and social progress. This is what the Madani government should be aiming for.

I agree with a Malaysiakini reader who wrote that - “Anwar does not need to strive so hard to show his Islamic credentials to win over the Malay population. He just needs to concentrate on fixing the economy and ensure that all segments of the population are economically taken care of. If he can do that, he will naturally win the support of both Malays and non-Malays”.

Yes, the prime minister should stop pandering to religious zealots in the country. Instead, he should work towards striking a balance that respects individual freedoms, ensures equal treatment and promote social harmony.

Anwar should also be mindful that a prime minister's responsiveness to the people's views is not just a matter of political courtesy; it is a fundamental aspect of democratic governance that ensures the government remains accountable and responsive to the needs and aspirations of the people.

I must admit that I am also very disappointed with the prime minister at this point in time. However, we also have to be rational and be fair to him.

A leader can do 10 things right but when he makes one slip, we tend to go after him without mercy. We all know that and must have experienced it (Anwar has slipped one too many times over the past year).

Still, let us continue to support the PM in his anti-corruption drive. That is different from his current over-the-top Middle East crusade.

I will continue to criticise Anwar if he messes up, for example, behaving like a warmonger. However, if he performs well and makes good decisions for the people and nation, he will get my thumb up.

We have to look at the issues separately. - Mkini

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FRANCIS PAUL SIAH is a veteran Sarawak editor and heads the Movement for Change, Sarawak (MoCS). He can be reached at sirsiah@gmail.com.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of MMKtT.