In a survey conducted by market research company Ipsos Sdn Bhd titled ‘What Worries Malaysian?’, it was revealed that 71% of respondents believed the country was heading in the right direction, marking a 19% increase compared to the same period in October 2023.
According to the Ipsos survey, 72% of Malaysians had a positive view of the nation’s current economic position, attributing this to the government’s efforts to stabilise the economy and address cost of living pressures as compared to the same period.
This resulted in a significant 33% increase in Malaysia’s economic sentiment over the past year.
The survey also revealed a 12% increase in the Malaysian Consumer Confidence index during the same period, indicating that despite falling to 50% in both March and September this year, the index rose to 58% in October 2024.
This led to Malaysia outperforming the global average, which remained at 49% during the same period.
Additionally, the Ipsos survey showed that political/financial corruption remained the top concern for Malaysians, at 47% followed by unemployment (34%) and poverty and social inequality (21%) throughout last year.
Malaysians’ concern about inflation dropped to 25% in October 2024, marking a 21% decrease compared to the same period in 2023.
Regardless, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim emphasised that the country’s budget and development framework is aimed at driving economic growth and ensuring that its benefits reach the grassroots level.
He highlighted that the framework must strike a balance, offering incentives to stimulate growth and attract investments while simultaneously addressing the needs of the less fortunate.
Additionally, the prime minister pointed out that any digital and energy transformations should benefit all segments of society, where he urged institutions like banks that record significant profits, to consider the plight of the poorest working groups.
“Take note of their food security, housing conditions and salaries. Pay attention to families of drivers and the most impoverished guardians,” he said, adding that while the nation’s growth has surpassed projections, this success must not lead to complacency within the government machinery.
“As humans, our capabilities are commendable, but sometimes we feel we’ve already reached our best,” he said.
Anwar also stressed that the public service must ‘strive for excellence’ and there should be no limit to their efforts as they continuously aim for the pinnacle of achievement and further improvement.
Additionally, he emphasised the importance of adopting better approaches in digital transformation, efficiency and management as well as organising seminars and discussions with international thought leaders to rectify weaknesses.
Anwar also highlighted the importance of proficiency in diverse and emerging disciplines, but reminded civil servants that while pursuing new methods, expertise and skills for national progress, core values such as culture, humanity, religious conviction and morality must not be overlooked.
