PETALING JAYA: Stop all political infighting that has caused instability and take heed of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s advice to bring Malaysia back to greater heights, experts tell political leaders.
National Professors Council senior fellow Dr Jeniri Amir said the King’s call was apt and timely as the country needed a stable government to help push economic recovery forward, especially post-Covid-19 pandemic.
“If we want to be a developed nation, there is no other option but to have a stable government.
“We are being left behind by other countries in our region and the challenges will be greater after the pandemic,” he said.
His comments were in response to the address of Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah in conjunction with His Majesty’s official birthday yesterday.
Sultan Abdullah said the country needed a stable government, supported by an efficient, transparent, business-friendly and people-friendly service delivery system and governance of integrity.
He said any deficit of confidence in the country’s ability must be addressed soon to enable the country to rise again on the world stage.
Jeniri pointed out that the country and its leadership needed to resolve the issues of corruption, food security and high inflation as their main focus.
“To address our economic woes effectively, aside from being able to bring in foreign investors, stability is important for economic growth.
“Our country is also facing high inflation and cost of living, and the government must be seen to be concerned about the plight of the people. If not, it will be a ‘time bomb’ for the government if they do not fix it soon,” he said.
Universiti Malaya’s Prof Dr Awang Azman Awang Pawi commended the speech by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, saying that it was aimed at ensuring the interests of the people and the country be given priority.
He added that it should not be seen only through the political lens but on how to have a stable government and be respected by all parties.
“Our leaders should take heed of this matter as this is the best recommendation from a respected and highest institution of the country.
“Of course, these reminders come after the country’s political episodes which are seen as unstable, a worrying economic situation during the recovery phase, and the economic issues and challenges faced by the people due to the rising prices of goods and services,” said Awang Azman.
International Islamic University Malaysia’s constitutional and administrative law lecturer Prof Dr Nik Ahmad Kamal Nik Mahmod said the King’s words emphasised stability, responsibility and a government of integrity.
“The government and the civil service must take heed of what His Majesty has said,” he added.
He said the government needed to improve the delivery of services to make it more people and business-friendly.
“Things are not good in reality. Delays, poor customer services and inefficiency remain the main complaints from consumers.
“No doubt there is tremendous improvement in many government services, but complacency has killed many of the excellent records that the government service delivery has provided us,” said Nik Ahmad Kamal.
Azmi Hassan, a senior fellow at Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research, agreed that a stable government was key to avoiding an economic downturn.
“What our Yang di-Pertuan Agong has said is true and timely. The people also have shown that they prefer stability as proven in the outcome of the recent state elections in Melaka, Sarawak and Johor.
“Only a stable government will enable comprehensive public policies to be crafted for the people,” he said.