PMX’s Dilemma Between Power and Reform

PMX flew the reform flag from the beginning of his political life as a student activist. Founder of the reformasi movement in 1998 that inspired a generation of Malaysians, he returned to government after the 2022 General Election, as prime minister at last. But he has since disappointed many. 

PMX is now seen as using the vast executive powers of his office to boost his personal standing and control. He has thus far succeeded with a two-thirds majority in parliament, but in doing so has risked his coalition’s re-election chances. The next General Election must be held by early 2028 at the latest, and he has made no secret of his hope for a second term. Polls suggest that he has made minimal progress with the coveted Malay ground, while neglecting the reformist multi-racial platform of his own party (Parti Keadilan Rakyat, PKR) and coalition (Pakatan Harapan).  

 

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In his second year in office he is on strong footing economically. Delivering political stability, boosted international investor confidence and domestic conditions for the economy to grow by 5.1 percent in 2024. Approved investments reached a historic high. Malaysia’s stock market and currency (the ringgit) were top performers in Asia.   

Now at the midpoint of Anwar’s five-year term, growth has slowed with global trade disruptions and an anticipated US 24 percent tariff on Malaysian exports in July. The economy grew 4.4 percent in 2025Q1, down from the revised 4.9 percent of the last quarter. Growth forecasts for 2025 have been revised downwards. Fuel subsidy cuts are still scheduled for later this year.   

Buoyant economic sentiment is critical but insufficient condition for Anwar’s re-election. Economic management is seen as the province of the elite civil service and technocrats. But they have focused on tax increases and widening or broadening of tax which has ruffled the B40 and M40.  

Merdeka Centre’s 2024 annual survey found that Malay sentiment towards the unity government had improved but remained negative, with 36 percent of Malays feeling that the country was heading in the right direction, compared to 55 percent who thought otherwise. It also found that Anwar’s approval rating had risen slightly to 54 percent. Meanwhile, 53 percent of respondents felt the country was heading in the wrong direction, a slight decrease from 54 percent previously. 

 

Rafizi Ramli recently revealed that internal polling had found that PKR and Pakatan Harapan were not in a strong position to win the next general election. He suggested that the government’s economic management had contributed to improvements in public sentiment, but this was undermined by dissatisfaction over the government’s fight against graft.    

Malay support for Pakatan Harapan has grown slowly to only 27 percent according to Rafizi. Non-Malay support has softened. To maintain PKR’s seat holdings at 30-40 seats in parliament (out of 222), Rafizi estimates that PKR needs at least 35 percent Malay support. Chinese voters are less likely to vote for the predominantly Malay-Muslim right-wing opposition, but some might sit out the election. Rafizi also highlighted Indian voter anger with Anwar’s handling of religious and race matters. Most recently, Anwar backed the controversial relocation of a Hindu temple so that a mosque could be built in its place.  

PMX’s approach of cultivating former adversaries, East Malaysian ruling coalitions, and the vast Malay-Muslim establishment from the hereditary Malay rulers to the civil service has helped to keep him in power. But beyond economic development, there is a lack of a coherent agenda and position for critical matters such as race relations management and greater state autonomy. This “permanent state of negotiation for support” among political elites has contributed to a growing public cynicism towards Pakatan Harapan’s commitment to reform and good governance. PMX, for your own sake, you need to “balik pangkal jalan” on reformasi or you will lose-out! And you seem oblivious to it. 

Reference:

Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim’s Dilemma Between Power and Reform, Ariel Tan, Australian Institute of International Affairs, 22 May 205