Unity government faces make-or-break year in 2024 - Analyst
SHAH ALAM - The Unity government faces a critical juncture as it approaches the year 2024, with an imperative to translate rhetoric into tangible results that resonate with the public, says political analyst Afi Roshezry Abu Bakar.
While acknowledging positive indicators like low inflation, the Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman's senior lecturer stressed the need to address soaring living costs and ensure basic necessities remain affordable.
"The government must deliver results – it's as simple as that.
"The rakyat demands to see concrete outcomes now.
"While the reported low inflation rate aligns with figures presented by Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli, the public is increasingly concerned about the high cost of living and the prices of basic necessities," he told Sinar Daily when contacted.
Among the ministries under pressure, Afi identified the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry as having the most immediate impact on everyday lives.
"With the looming threat of India’s non-basmati rice export ban, ministries (Agriculture and Food Security Ministry) like Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu's and Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali's must operate at the same level of urgency.
"The clock is ticking for Malaysia, and immediate action is required to mitigate the potential impact on our local market," Afi said.
Drawing attention to Human Resource Minister Steven Sim, Afi acknowledged the challenges ahead, particularly in the realm of minimum wage issues.
"Steven Sim's track record in the Finance Ministry is commendable, but he faces challenges ahead, especially concerning minimum wage and private sector salary scales. Speedy attention to these matters is crucial," he noted.
On another note, Afi echoed concerns about Rafizi's recent social media engagements.
He urged the government to focus on shaping the economic narrative through policy and communication, rather than engaging in unproductive online fights with "cybertroopers."
"The government should shape the economic narrative of the country rather than getting entangled in baseless claims by cybertroopers," he added.
