A Malaysian lawmaker says the rising cost of living in the country remains a huge concern, despite promises by Putrajaya to tackle the issue.
Datuk Seri Saifuddin Abdullah, the Indera Mahkota MP, said that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has the “habit of either not honouring his promises, or he announces something that the government is not really prepared to execute nor able to execute.”
“During his (Anwar’s) early days as prime minister, he told Parliament that he was forming a special committee, and that in two weeks’ time, (the committee) would present him with solutions to address the rising cost of living. But until now, we have heard nothing,” said Saifuddin.
“The relevant ministries seem unable to tackle basic problems, such as (prices of) local eggs and rice.”
Saifuddin was elaborating on the views he shared earlier during a panel session titled ‘Malaysia-Madani at the Mid-term: Closing Windows for Reform?’ during the Regional Outlook Forum 2025 by ISEAS–Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore on Jan 9.
Saifuddin was joined by Subang MP Wong Chen. The session was moderated by Lee Hwok-Aun, the Senior Fellow and Co-coordinator, Malaysia Studies Programme at ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute.
“(Malaysia) should stop talking about MoUs (memoranda of understanding), but focus on real investments. The emphasis should also be on domestic investment. Start talking to local businessmen and tycoons instead of attacking the ‘maha kaya’ (super rich).”
Malaysia has secured several billion-ringgit investments in recent months, namely in the tech and digital spheres.
In November, Anwar stressed that his government was doing its best to help the people cope with the rising prices of essential goods.
He acknowledged, “There is a problem, I admit it,” and gave his assurance that Putrajaya was trying to deal with the “increasing prices of goods that have affected public spending.”
Saifuddin, who is a Supreme Council member of Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia, added that if Perikatan Nasional (PN) were to form a new government tomorrow, “we are ready with policies, such as the shared prosperity vision and education reform”.
However, PN has been criticised as being a weak opposition, with several of its leaders accused of fanning racial and religious sentiments instead of keeping the administration on its toes.
When it was pointed out that PN had, in fact, the opportunity to keep the rising prices in check during its brief stint in Putrajaya, Saifuddin responded, “During Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s tenure as prime minister, our main focus was Covid-19. But we came up with Wawasan Kemakmuran Bersama, which formed the basis of the 12th Malaysia Plan.”
Saifuddin said PN was “more prepared this time.”
“We have a ‘shadow Cabinet’. Beginning this year, it will be more active and constructive, including formulating alternative policies.
“We already have, for example, an Education Reform Proposal that was discussed by the Select Committee with the Education and Higher Education Ministries.”
He added that if PN returned to Putrajaya, it would be practical in its approach.
“We will prioritise. We will start with low-hanging fruits and focus on what really matters,” he added.
