By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Dec 14: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is facing one of the toughest leadership tests in recent history as pressures mount from economic woes, political setbacks and internal coalition tensions, says analyst Dato Peter Minos.
Describing the premiership as a “top job with heavy challenges”, Minos said Anwar has little choice but to confront the rising cost of living, public discontent and political realities following Pakatan Harapan’s poor showing in the recent Sabah election.
“The high and rising cost of goods and services is worrying and crushing. Every Malaysian feels it, especially the middle, semi-middle and lower-income groups whose incomes remain stagnant while expenses keep rising,” he said in a statement today.
He warned that subsidies and cash handouts may provide temporary relief but cannot replace the need for higher and sustainable incomes.
“If the government fails to act decisively, people will become increasingly restless. This will not bode well when the next general election comes,” he added.
Minos further said the impact of the high cost of living is most severe among families earning RM2,000 or less a month, describing them as “ordinary people in villages and on the streets who are crying and bemoaning their situation”.
Minos also pointed to political challenges within Pakatan Harapan itself, noting that Anwar has had to contend with differing views from leaders in his own coalition, including former deputy Rafizi Ramli’s stance on recognising the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) and the importance of mastering multiple languages.
He said Malaysia must adopt a pragmatic language policy, stressing that while Bahasa Malaysia should be mastered, it should not come at the expense of English and Mandarin.
“China will become a greater superpower than the United States by 2050 or earlier, economically and militarily. Learning Mandarin is wise and useful.
“The Prime Minister must not allow pro-BM and anti-English groups to colour his thinking,” he said.
Minos also highlighted the total defeat suffered by Democratic Action Party (DAP) in the Sabah election as a major warning sign for the federal government.
“If such defeats spread to Malaya, it will be catastrophic. Sabahans are clearly unhappy with Malayan-based parties and the federal government, and this sentiment may persist into the next general election in 2027 or 2028,” he said.
He added that statements made by some DAP leaders after the Sabah defeat, including calls for reforms within six months and demands over UEC recognition, have added further pressure on the Prime Minister.
“All these are big headaches for the Prime Minister,” Minos said.
Summing up the situation, Minos said leading Malaysia is far from easy.
“Running Malaysia is like running a madhouse, not just a noisy fish market,” he emphasised. — DayakDaily
