In Malaysiakini’s review of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s first year in power, we asked our readers three questions, what was his top achievement, the worst thing he’s done as premier and their wishes from him.
In total, 434 people aired their views to Malaysiakini.
These are the best of the comments, which have been edited for brevity and language.
Question: In one sentence, what do you think is Anwar’s top achievement in his first year as prime minister?
Appum: In leadership optics, he is a rough diamond that needs a lot of polishing to show firmness and bold reforms needed and expected.
Reezal: Progressive and very positive, far outperforming the first-year achievements of previous governments.
CKS: As someone staying in Sarawak, I think Anwar's bold step to move towards the restoration of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 is his top achievement.
Farid Basir: Anwar Ibrahim established a strong coalition government, yet it came at the cost of the reforms he had promised, which initially propelled him into power.
Nur Ikhwan Mukhtar: The only PM who is brave enough to introduce economic and national policies that are “people-based”.
MB Abdullah Kelantan: Restoring Malaysia’s standing on the international stage.
Q: In one sentence, what do you think is the worst thing that has come out of Anwar’s first year as prime minister?
CKS: The discharge not amounting to an acquittal (DNAA) decision for Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi is arguably the worst thing that has come out of Anwar’s first year as PM.
As much as he can say he was not involved, the perception of justice is so bitter to swallow as Zahid was facing not just one, two or three charges but 47, and prima facie evidence has already been established and he was called to enter defence.
Yue Han: Holding the position of both finance minister and prime minister raises questions about whether these roles should be held by the same person, as it lacks checks and balances.
The prime minister publicly made it clear that he had no intention to abolish the quota system. However, this approach is seen as hindering the country's progress, as it fails to prevent the outflow of talented individuals to other nations.
Matriculation and STPM are considered equivalent, but non-Malays find it challenging to enter matriculation programmes.
John Woon: His negative response to the question on meritocracy in universities and tardiness in communicating government policies and decisions to the citizens.
Concerned Parent: Ironically with the political stability, this government has not done enough on reforms such as institutional and legislation, while only focusing on politicking (trying to present an image) but ironically alienating Pakatan Harapan supporters.
The worst performing ministers are all from PKR - education, health, digital and communications and home.
MB Abdullah Kelantan: Total failure in overcoming the continuous politics of hate and slander from the opposition.
MR13: Excessive catering to conservative forces.
Appum: He focuses too much on non-productive issues involving religion and self-image building locally and abroad. A reformist but no reforms were shown seriously to elevate rakyats problems domestically.
Tabib Politik: Failing in institutional reforms such as allocations to opposition constituencies, the use of government machinery for election campaigns, the appointment of politicians to GLCs and the management of Zahid’s case.
Q: What are the top three things you wish Anwar should do as prime minister?
Yue Han: Abolish quotas in various sectors and replace them with merit-based standards. This would enhance talent cultivation and attract professionals to return from abroad, contributing to the country's development. It would also instil greater confidence among the people in the government's reform efforts.
Improve the quality of national education, leveraging our nation’s unique ethnic diversity. Encourage citizens to master multiple languages. This approach would set Malaysia apart in Southeast Asia, becoming an advantage to attract foreign enterprises to invest in the country.
Appoint a new finance minister and fill the vacancy left by the late Salahuddin Ayub. Reorganise the cabinet by removing underperforming ministers and implement performance-based governance, starting from the cabinet level.
Farid Basir: Cease political appointments and accelerate political funding reform.
Ensure the independence and trustworthiness of the attorney-general, MACC and Election Commission are free from any political influence.
Implement more assertive economic reform policies and appoint individuals best suited for the job.
Concerned Parent: Stop politicking and trying to please certain communities at the expense of others. Focus on doing what is right rather than trying to please everyone but end up pleasing none.
Rolling out institutional and legislation reforms as promised.
Most importantly, stop using education as a political tool. A lot of parents are no longer sending their children to public schools. Shame on all you politicians.
Tabib Politik: Reform the electoral system with a) seats that are of equal population and racial composition, and b) equal campaigning on mainstream media platforms for all candidates regardless of parties.
Reform the Parliamentary system with equal funding for all constituencies.
Separating the office of attorney-general and public prosecutor.
MR13: Continuously improve the economic environment. Address the increasingly rampant trends of religious and racial extremism.
Enhance the education environment to elevate the competitiveness of all ethnic groups.
CKS: Improve the public transportation system perhaps increasing more MRT in more states, especially the train system from Klang Valley to Ipoh.
Allow the Sarawak and Sabah governments to manage their own healthcare and education budgets.
Remove all tainted politicians in his cabinet.
Nur Ikhwan Mukhtar: Be stern against corruption and abuse of power cases regardless of who is involved.
Continue to fight for economic justice.
Build a new narrative that is more conducive to Malaysian unity.
Pan Guo Qiang: Abolish unjust laws. Appoint a new education minister with diverse thinking. Strengthen the national unity agenda. - Mkini
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