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Malaysia’s Anwar pledges staged reforms and stronger anti-corruption effort
Anwar said recent economic figures, including 6.0% growth last quarter and low unemployment, are not yet winning public support amid higher living costs.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said he will speed up reforms and strengthen the country’s anti-corruption drive as he works to rebuild public backing after successive electoral defeats and party departures, according to SCMP Economy.
Speaking at his People’s Justice Party annual congress, Anwar acknowledged shortcomings in his administration and said Malaysians are facing higher living costs, arguing that “economic numbers are not winning the hearts of the people.” He added that reforms cannot be rushed and must be carried out in stages, taking into account other parties in the ruling coalition.
Anwar’s PKR and the Pakatan Harapan coalition have lost ground in three consecutive state elections in Sabah, Johor, and Negeri Sembilan. The party lost control of Negeri Sembilan this month, dropping from holding the chief minister’s office to just two seats in the 36-seat assembly, while Barisan Nasional and allies won supermajorities in Johor and Negeri Sembilan.
Anwar also indicated he is not in a rush to call an election after the setbacks. His government partner said local election in Malacca is due by January, while the national poll is due by February 2028.