When Anwar Ibrahim finally stepped into the Prime Minister’s seat in 2022, many Malaysians cheered — it felt like a long-overdue moment. After decades of political drama, jail time, and reformasi chants, Anwar emerged as the 10th Prime Minister, promising a government of unity, transparency, and transformation. But fast forward to today, and the honeymoon period is clearly over.
His leadership is now under a microscope. Every decision, every foreign visit, every speech — scrutinised. The rakyat is asking: is Anwar steering Malaysia towards meaningful change, or just keeping the political peace?
Let’s dive into the challenges he’s facing and what can be learned from leaders in other parts of the world.
A Coalition Built on Compromise
Anwar didn’t inherit a clear majority. Instead, he had to build a "unity government", cobbling together unlikely bedfellows — from Pakatan Harapan’s progressives to UMNO’s old guard. That alone demands a daily balancing act. Managing different ideologies under one roof is like making roti canai with four cooks — everyone has their own recipe, and the dough risks being overworked.
The coalition's fragility shows when reforms slow down or get watered down. Whether it's anti-hopping laws, local council elections, or university freedom, bold moves get blocked by partners who prefer the status quo.
Reform Agenda: Stuck in Neutral?
Anwar promised to clean up Malaysian politics. But so far, we’ve seen mixed results.
The MACC is active, but many investigations feel politically timed. Zahid Hamidi’s DNAA (discharge not amounting to acquittal) raised questions about double standards.
Economic policies, like cutting blanket subsidies, make sense long-term but hurt in the short term — especially without clear communication.
Political appointments to GLCs? Let’s just say the old habits die hard.
The rakyat isn’t asking for perfection. But they’re asking for consistency. And clarity.
Making Moves Abroad, But Still Playing Catch-Up at Home
To Anwar’s credit, he hasn’t been idle on the domestic front. His administration rolled out the Menu Rahmah programme to ease food costs, launched PADU to streamline subsidy targeting, and initiated public engagements on EPF reforms and the cost of living. These are signs of effort and intention.
At the same time, Anwar has been active on the international stage — from high-level visits to China and Türkiye to strong, consistent support for Palestine. His global engagements have helped reposition Malaysia as a respected voice in the Global South.
But despite these efforts, the perception problem lingers. With the Prime Minister frequently seen abroad — many Malaysians feel there’s still a disconnect between government action and daily struggles at home.
It’s not that he’s doing nothing — it’s that people aren’t yet feeling the impact. Wages remain stagnant, housing remains unaffordable, and our public education system continues to lag behind.
It’s the old political rule: if your kitchen is on fire, don’t be seen watering someone else’s garden.
Keeping the Peace (Barely)
Make no mistake — Anwar is walking on political eggshells. UMNO needs PH. PH needs GPS. GPS wants autonomy. Meanwhile, Perikatan Nasional is hammering away at Malay-Muslim sentiment and winning hearts in rural areas.
Every step Anwar takes risks upsetting someone. That’s not leadership by choice — it’s leadership by necessity. But the longer he tiptoes around tough reforms, the louder the public’s frustrations grow.
What Can Malaysia Learn?
Other nations have faced similar balancing acts. There are lessons to borrow:
🇩🇪 Germany’s Coalition KPIs
Germany routinely builds coalition governments with diverse parties. Their solution? A formal Koalitionsvertrag — a coalition agreement with specific KPIs for each party. It ensures accountability and clarity, even with differences.
Could Malaysia benefit from something similar? It would force transparency and give the rakyat a scoreboard to track.
🇳🇿 New Zealand’s Honest Messaging
Former PM Jacinda Ardern handled tough reforms by speaking openly and honestly to her people. No sugar-coating. If subsidy cuts are coming, explain why, show the plan, and engage the public. Malaysians appreciate sincerity — we can smell spin from a mile away.
🇮🇩 Indonesia’s KPK Model
Indonesia’s Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) once operated with strong independence and public trust. Malaysia’s MACC could be empowered in the same way — with fewer political strings attached. Real reform means letting the institutions bite, even if they bite friends.
Conclusion: From Survival to Legacy
Right now, Anwar is doing what many coalition leaders do — surviving. But survival won’t cement his legacy. If he wants to be remembered as the man who reformed Malaysia, he needs to move from compromise to conviction.
Yes, it’s a tightrope. But the best leaders don’t just walk it. They build bridges while walking.
🧩 Final Thought
As Malaysians, we want leaders who dare to fix broken systems, not just maintain them. Anwar Ibrahim still has time — and goodwill — to make his mark. But time, like political capital, doesn’t last forever.
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