Organizer: ISEAS - Yusof Ishak Institute

Type/Location: Virtual

Description:

The Anwar Ibrahim administration began under demanding circumstances. Malaysia’s complex political context has made attaining and maintaining majorities in parliament increasingly fraught, and the country’s voters are increasingly divided in their preferences.

Furthermore, the challenges facing the new government during its inaugural year have been formidable. The Unity government has needed to reconcile the demands of its many parties and coalitions. Besides absorbing bandwidth, the disparate composition of the governing coalition has entailed significant challenges, particularly in achieving consensus on crucial policy issues.

While retaining sufficient numbers in parliament, the Anwar Ibrahim administration has also had to face growing support for the opposition coalition, Perikatan Nasional. This has meant reconciling calls for institutional reform and avoiding strengthening the opposition’s base.

The government has also had to contend with a challenging fiscal position, with high levels of debt and limited room for additional revenue sources. The economic context has also been turbulent, with high rates of inflation, supply chain shocks, and volatile prices for key imports and exports.

This webinar will critically examine the inaugural year of the Anwar Ibrahim administration, shedding light on the complexities inherent in implementing systemic and enduring changes in Malaysia’s federal government and at this current economic juncture. It will examine the challenges that lie ahead and how the government intends to reform as well as locate the Malaysian economy within the broader perspective of the Madani economic framework.

About the Speakers

Dr Tricia Yeoh is the CEO of the Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS) Malaysia.

Dr Nungsari A Radhi is an economist and a member of the Advisory Committee to the Finance Minister (ACFIN).

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