Leadership is Influence!

 

Great Leaders don’t just manage performance—they shape how people experience themselves at work. When someone feels truly seen, heard, and valued, something shifts. Confidence grows. Trust deepens. Ownership rises.

 

People don’t show up at their best because they have to— they show up because they want to. That’s the essence of coaching leadership. It’s not about having all the answers but asking the questions that unlock insight. Not about directing every move but creating space for growth. Not about building dependence but strengthening capability.

 

Leadership, at its core, is influence. And the most powerful influence isn’t control— it’s how people feel about their own ability to succeed. When people feel seen, they contribute more. When they feel heard, they engage more. When they feel valued, they stretch further. When they feel respected, they bring their whole selves. And when this becomes consistent— teams don’t just perform… they thrive. So, here’s the real question:

 

When people leave your team, are they more confident, more capable, and more ready for what’s next… because of you?

 

Reference:

Leadership is Influence, Not Control by Cythia Ooi, post in Linkedin

Happy at Work, Tired at Heart?

 

Most Malaysian workers report feeling happy at work, but that sense of satisfaction is increasingly tempered by stress and burnout. This is according to Jobstreet by SEEK’s latest Workplace Happiness Index. The survey, based on responses from around 1,000 working adults aged 18 to 64, found that 70% of Malaysians feel somewhat or extremely happy in their jobs. A similar proportion said they feel valued, while 68% described their work as fulfilling. However, these positive indicators are offset by deeper concerns about workplace pressure and fatigue.

 

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org

 

Despite a relatively strong labour market with steady job opportunities and low unemployment, three in 10 workers said they feel either unhappy or neutral about their jobs, highlighting persistent gaps in overall workplace satisfaction. For many Malaysians, happiness at work is rooted in day-to-day fundamentals. The survey found that employees are most satisfied with their workplace environment (69%), colleagues (65%), and daily responsibilities (65%).

 

Predictable routines, supportive teams, and a sense of ownership over tasks contribute significantly to positive workplace experiences. However, stress remains a key issue. Only 36% of respondents said they are satisfied with their stress levels, while 41% reported feeling burnt out or exhausted by their jobs.

 

The data also showed a strong link between burnout and dissatisfaction, with unhappy workers twice as likely to experience burnout compared to those who are satisfied. Among those who are unhappy at work, 71% said improving work-life balance would increase their happiness, second only to higher pay.

 

This suggests that unmanaged stress not only affects individual wellbeing but may also have wider implications for productivity, absenteeism, and employee retention. Jobstreet by SEEK Malaysia managing director Nicholas Lam said the findings point to a deeper dynamic shaping workplace satisfaction.

 

While competitive salaries remain essential for attracting and retaining talent, employees are more likely to remain engaged when they find meaning in their work and feel connected to broader organisational goals. The report also found notable differences across age groups. Gen Z workers reported lower levels of happiness and higher stress, reflecting the pressures of early career development and the need to establish themselves in the workforce. They are also more likely to say that reducing stress would significantly improve their wellbeing, compared to millennials and Gen X employees.

 

Workplace experiences also vary by industry. Employees in Professional Services and Construction reported the highest levels of happiness at 78%, while those in the Public Sector, Industrial sectors, and Retail, Hospitality and Sports recorded lower levels of satisfaction, reflecting challenges related to workload, recognition, and flexibility.

 

The findings suggest that improving workplace happiness will require a more holistic approach. Beyond pay, organisations must create environments that foster purpose, reduce burnout, and respond to the evolving needs of a diverse workforce.

 

Reference:

Happy at work, tired at heart: 7 in 10 Malaysians say they are happy—but burnout persists, Bernie Yeo, Focus Malaysia, 10 April 2026

Battersea is Now Ombak Kerugian!

 

Few annals in development keep on returning to haunt the living than the legacy and legend of the Battersea Power Station project. An iconic London landmark on the banks of the Thames which has sucked some of Malaysia’s premier funds and land companies.

 

The latest in that tragic tale is that the CEO of developer Battersea Power Station Development Company or BPSDC, who has been fired.  This was alleged that it was done because the company had effectively overstated the value of its assets by a “few hundred million pounds”.

It should be noted that in 2013 when the project was announced, it was supposed to have been finished by 2025. But it’s still alive and kicking. That should set sirens screaming louder than an official motorcade in Malaysia.

 

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battersea_Power_Station

 

The entire development was worth RM53 billion over a decade ago and probably costs a lot more now. And it is owned by three icons from Malaysia, SP Setia and Sime Darby Property (SDP) with a 40 per cent stake each and Employees Provident Fund or EPF with the remaining 20 per cent. To top it up, major stakes in SP Setia and SDP are owned by national unit trust operator Permodalan Nasional Bhd or PNB, which owns some 49 per cent of SP Setia and some 45-47 per cent of SDP according to recent reports.

 

The Battersea project dates back to 2013 when it was launched with much fanfare in London, the opening graced by no less than British Prime Minister then, David Cameron, and London mayor and subsequently British prime minister Boris Johnson who were feted by Liew.

 

Essentially, EPF, SDP and SP Setia are likely to shoulder losses of some RM250 million a quarter or RM1 billion a year from a 5-year rental guarantee at Battersea. The guarantees, reportedly for a period of five years, were given by the Battersea Power Station redevelopment project in London to buyers to encourage sales but the company was saddled with a huge payment for income not met by purchasers. It turns out the guarantee may have been given to a holding company owned 65 per cent by EPF and 35 per cent by PNB which bought the commercial development of Battersea for 1.58-billion-pound sterling. The rest, mainly residential, remained with the development company.

 

The Financial Times reported in March 2026 the CEO was dismissed because he flagged that properties owned by the Battersea development company were overvalued by a few hundred million pounds. The case is now before a London tribunal for wrongful dismissal.  The development company denied the allegations.

 

Quality of assets is a rather subjective matter and different people have different things to say about it. But one may ask why a career professional who has a long and distinguished career in other places will make such serious allegations against Battersea if it is not warranted.

 

Why not do a forensic audit for public consumption? After all, the key investors are pension/investment funds? Otherwise, we have more speculation and less light!

 

Reference:

The ghost of Battersea revisits, P. Gunasegaram, Kinibiz Online, 31 March 2026

Is M40 Invisible?

 

Too wealthy for government subsidised housing yet priced out of the soaring luxury market. Referred to as the invisible middle class, Malaysia’s middle 40% (M40) households form the backbone of the workforce, yet their housing realities are increasingly strained. Within this group, the lower-middle tiers are commonly referred to as M1 and M2. They are also the most financially vulnerable. 

During the pandemic, around 20% of M40 households experienced income declines that pushed many into the bottom 40% (B40) category. Although the M40 makes up 40% of households, it holds only about 38.2% of national income, compared to 45.1% for the top 20% (T20), according to the Statistics Department (DOSM). 

In urban centres such as Kuala Lumpur and Selangor, this pressure is amplified. A large share of income is absorbed by housing, transport and childcare, leaving limited room for savings or upward mobility. They are, in many ways, stuck in the middle. Too qualified for subsidised schemes like Rumawip and Perumahan Rakyat 1Malaysia or PR1MA, yet unable to sustain RM700,000-plus urban housing. 

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org

For the average household, the mathematics of property no longer adds up. It is becoming increasingly misaligned with income reality. DOSM reports that the median monthly income for the lower M40 is around RM5,250. Based on the median multiple rule, affordable housing for this group should ideally fall between RM300,000 and RM450,000. 

The Property Market Report 2025 by the National Property Information Centre (Napic) shows the national average house price has risen to RM502,922. In major urban centres, the gap is even wider still. Kuala Lumpur has shot past RM810,000 while Selangor averages RM567,505. Buyers are worried because this mismatch is leading to a structural imbalance that will resonate years down the line. 

Napic data shows a 31.6% rise in unsold completed units as of late 2025. While 52% of transactions are still going strong below RM300,000, new supply is still skewing toward higher-priced, high-density developments with high ownership costs. Monthly maintenance fees today can range between RM300 and RM500 per month, though this can easily rise to over RM700 in luxury developments. This quickly becomes a tipping point between mortgage approval and rejection. For many households, affordability is not only about loan eligibility but about sustaining long-term ownership. 

Many buyers are venturing out from city centres in search of affordability. Locations such as Semenyih, Nilai and Rawang offer good entry points in the RM300,000 and RM400,000 range. However, these savings tend to get offset by longer commutes, higher fuel costs and increased vehicle maintenance. 

Budget 2026 expanded the Housing Credit Guarantee Scheme, allocating up to RM10bil to support first-time buyers and gig workers. Developers have also done their part in introducing step-up financing models that reduce any early repayment burdens. These are all done in anticipation of income growth. However, financing is still a problem. 

Recent findings from the Real Estate and Housing Developers’ Association Malaysia (Rehda) show that 72% of developers report financing-related difficulties among buyers, with end-financing loan rejections reaching as high as 31% to 45% for properties priced between RM500,000 and RM700,000. 

Malaysia’s housing market is no longer grappling with oversupply issues alone. For a large segment of the M40, ownership is increasingly filtered through financing barriers, recurring costs and structural affordability constraints. In that sense, the question is no longer whether housing exists for the middle class but whether the middle class still exists within the current housing system. 

Reference:

The invisible M40, Samantha Wong, The Star, 3 May 2026

 

 

Change Governments but Nothing Changes

 

Malaysia has changed governments several times. New faces, new coalitions, new promises. Every time it’s the same thing. This time will be different. This time, things will improve. This time, the system will be corrupt free. However, if you ask people on the ground, the answer is simple. Nothing much has changed. 

Almost every major party has been in power. When they were outside, they spoke strongly. They pointed out corruption, unfairness, and a weak leadership. They said they would fix it. Then, they got into power, and somehow, the same issues are still there. So, people start asking. Why does corruption still feel selective? Why do some cases move fast while others go quiet? Why do certain people always seem protected, no matter who is in charge?

 

Source: https://simple.wikipedia.org

We have MACC. We have the attorney-general. They are supposed to protect the system. But when decisions are inconsistent or not clearly explained, people do not know what to believe anymore. It slowly becomes a feeling that the system depends on who you are, not what you did. 

At the same time, many on the ground have become more realistic. People know corruption cannot disappear overnight. But what they expect is fairness and responsibility. If those in power benefit, then the people should also see clear improvements in their daily lives. That is where the frustration comes in when there is no visible return to the rakyat. 

Politics is in the same rut. Race and religion. Every time things get difficult, these topics come back. It is easier to play with emotions than to solve real problems. Politicians look strong on social media but on the ground, people are still waiting for real change. It feels like more effort is put into the image than into showing results. Many are already talking about the next election instead of fixing today’s problems. So, we do “backdoor” strategies to gain power to do good? Absolute nonsense! 

Look at daily life. Go buy groceries. Everything is more expensive. Go to a government hospital. You wait for hours. Talk to parents. They worry whether the education system is really preparing their children. Look at your own salary. It is not increasing the same way your expenses are. Try making a simple report to fix a road or drainage issue. It can take months. Follow up again and again, still no clear action. Even local councils sometimes seem unsure who to follow. Should they listen to the lawmaker from the ruling side or the MP from the opposition? In the end, nothing moves. 

This is the real Malaysia. 

We are told the economy is improving but for many people, every month feels tighter. You pay your bills, manage your commitments, and hope nothing unexpected happens. Savings are not growing. Planning for the future feels harder. Many on the ground are no longer thinking about progress. They are merely in survival mode. 

Many Ministers need to step out more. Not stay in Putrajaya offices looking at the lake view or go to KL with police siren wailing! The real situation is not in reports or presentations. It is outside, on the ground. 

And this is why people are frustrated. Because no matter who is in power, the same basic issues are not fixed. Education is still the same. The tax system still feels heavy on the same group of people. Public hospitals are still overcrowded. These are not new problems. Every government knows this. Also, people see tax money being used for things outside the country (like Gaza) while many local issues are left unresolved. When people here are struggling and asking for help, it raises questions about priorities. And they are told to tighten their belts, when they have none! 

The opposition is not helping either. It talks, but it does not give confidence. It points out problems, but people are not sure it can do better. It is not united and that shows. When both sides are not strong, the rakyat is the one stuck in the middle. Elections today also feel different. It has become almost like a festival. People go out to vote, take pictures and share on social media. The deeper meaning of voting seems to be fading. Choices are often influenced by popularity or religion rather than real policies or long-term direction. This is not something small. It is something serious that the country needs to reflect on. 

If every choice gives the same feeling, then the problem is not just the leaders. We keep changing governments but for the people on the ground, life still feels the same. 

Why can’t they fix small things first – re-tar the roads; fix the potholes; give essentials to the poor; provide shelter; listen more and talk less; act more than shout about maruah or halal or bangsa – when you are hungry there is no more maruah to beg or to steal – you just do it and face the consequences. 

Then do other more difficult things – fix education, health, refugees, workers/maid levies (RM15,000 is out of this world for M40); cost of living; corruption and many more.

But, no, every Minister is looking at pensions – as an MP, as a Minister and/or as an ADUN. If money is your motivation to be in politics, then be a Jeff Bezos or Elon Musk, not a rent-seeker with APs in hand. When can we stop this carousel? When the music dies? 

Reference:

LETTER | We keep changing govts but nothing changes for us, Thanesh Tamalmani, Malaysiakini, 29 April 2026

Is Langkawi “Closed for Business”?

 

There is a certain genius—almost artistic—in how we manage Langkawi. Not the kind that builds a world-class destination, but the sort that slowly, methodically, and with admirable consistency, squeezes the life out of one.

 

First, it was the moral housekeeping. The quiet tightening around alcohol sales, the raised eyebrows at beach attire—as though tourists flying in from Germany or Australia might suddenly develop a fondness for modest swimwear upon landing. One could almost hear the unspoken marketing slogan: “Langkawi—Now with Less Fun.” But tourists, being a forgiving species (and often armed with prepaid hotel bookings), still came. They adapted. They drank less publicly, dressed more cautiously, and told themselves the sunsets were worth it. And then came the masterstroke: make it harder to get there.

 

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org

 

The recent reduction in ferry services—from five daily trips to three—has all the elegance of a self-inflicted wound. For an island where, by admission, about 70% of visitors arrive by sea, this is not just a logistical adjustment.

 

Imagine running a restaurant, a souvenir stall, or a modest homestay in Kuah, only to discover that your customer base has been quietly throttled—not by lack of demand, but by lack of seats on a boat. It is the kind of policy contradiction that deserves a case study. On one hand, we speak earnestly about boosting domestic tourism, encouraging Malaysians to rediscover their own backyard. On the other, we ration the very ferries that make such rediscovery possible.

 

The ferry operators have their reasons. Rising diesel costs, operational sustainability—perfectly rational explanations in isolation. But public infrastructure, especially one that underpins an entire island economy, is not meant to operate like a boutique startup delicately balancing its books. It is, or should be, a lifeline.

 

One wonders what the long-term vision is. Is Langkawi meant to be a vibrant international destination, competing with Phuket or Bali? Or is it slowly being rebranded—unofficially, of course—into something more restrained, more “compliant,” and ultimately, less visited? Because tourism, inconveniently, thrives on ease. Easy access, easy movement, easy enjoyment. Start inserting friction—whether moral, logistical, or financial—and tourists will do what tourists do best: go somewhere else. And there is no shortage of “somewhere else.”

The real tragedy here is not that Langkawi will collapse overnight. It won’t. Decline, like all well-managed things or buildings in this country, will be gradual. Quiet. Explained away with statistics and temporary measures. Until one day, the island that once bustled with energy will simply feel… dead! Not overcrowded. Not chaotic.

 

Just… dead which, in tourism terms, is often a polite way of saying: R.I.P.

 

Reference:

#EiTahuTak | OPINION | Langkawi: The Island That Put Up a “Closed for Business” Sign—One Policy at a Time, Mihar Dias, Newswav, 25 Apr 2026

Condom Prices Are Going Up!

 

The first casualty of war is truth. The second, apparently, is affordable protection. Iran has now managed to reach the most unexpected corner of daily life: the condom aisle. Yes, amid oil tankers, naval blockades and geopolitical brinkmanship, the humble latex hero has quietly become collateral damage. 

According to reports, Malaysia’s Karex, the world’s largest condom manufacturer, is preparing to raise prices by 20% to 30%. That means somewhere, right now, a couple is staring at a price tag and seriously reconsidering their life choices.

 

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org

The reason? It turns out condoms are not just about latex and good intentions. They rely heavily on petrochemicals, synthetic rubber, lubricants, packaging, all of which are tied to oil and gas supply chains. And when tensions flare in the Middle East, especially around key routes like the Strait of Hormuz, everything from fuel to romantic planning gets more expensive. 

And ramping up the funny meter is none other than our Minister of Housing and Local Government of Malaysia Nga Kor Ming with his latest post on X. According to him, condom prices are going up but in Malaysia, supplies are sufficient, prices are stable, and cash assistance provided under the Madani government amounts to tens of billions. With posts such as these, expect some roasting to happen online and soon. Drawing first blood was netizen @ADIB378 who said, “Really Mr Housing minister? Is that your focus? Condoms?” 

Karex manufactures more than five bil condoms each year, supplying major global brands such as Durex and Trojan, while also serving public healthcare systems like the UK’s NHS and United Nations-backed aid programmes. The company is among a growing number of manufacturers, including medical glove producers, preparing for supply chain disruptions as the conflict involving Iran puts pressure on energy markets and petrochemical supplies, complicating access to key raw materials. Chief executive officer Goh Miah Kiat said current inventories are sufficient for the coming months, but the company is ramping up production to keep pace with rising demand.  

Global condom stockpiles have declined sharply, partly due to significant reductions in foreign aid spending, especially by the US Agency for International Development in 2025. Demand has surged by roughly 30% so far in 2026, with ongoing shipping delays further tightening supply. And if prices do keep rising, Malaysians may soon find themselves budgeting for protection the same way they budget for petrol. Maybe a “Rahmah Condom Initiative” should be considered? Because if there is one thing more dangerous than rising geopolitical tensions, it is leaving matters of family planning entirely to inflation. 

Reference:

Condom prices are going up but Malaysia is doing fine, says Nga Kor Ming, CS Ming, Focus Malaysia, 22 April 2026

Pigs, Politics, and the Peculiar Politics of Smell

 

If a university business student were assigned a SWOT analysis on pig farming in Malaysia, they would probably begin with an apology to their lecturer — not because the topic lacks data, but because it comes with a fragrance of controversy that refuses to stay inside PowerPoint slides. Few industries illustrate the intersection of economics, culture, religion, land scarcity, and public policy as vividly as pig farming. It is, quite literally, a case study you can smell from afar.

 

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org

 

Strengths

Historically, pig farming in Peninsular Malaysia was a surprisingly robust business. Before urbanisation swallowed vast tracts of agricultural land, the country was once a net exporter of pork. Farmers operated close to major consumer markets, transport costs were low, and supply chains were efficient. From a purely commercial perspective, pigs are excellent livestock assets. They convert feed efficiently, reproduce quickly, and generate high-value protein products. Unlike durians, they do not wait years to mature. Unlike oil palm, they do not require decades of land commitment.

 

In short, pigs are what economists call “fast-cycle assets” — the equivalent of a blue-chip stock that pays dividends quarterly. Sarawak today demonstrates this strength perfectly. Its modern farms operate like sterile laboratories, complete with biosecurity systems, disinfected vehicles, and workers dressed like surgeons preparing for an operation rather than farmers preparing for breakfast.  And importantly, the market exists just across a narrow stretch of water: Singapore, one of the world’s most reliable pork importers. Few businesses enjoy a neighbour that wealthy, that hungry, and that geographically convenient.

 

Weaknesses

The weaknesses, however, are painfully obvious. Pig farming is a business that competes not just with other industries, but with public sentiment. Odour complaints, environmental concerns, water pollution issues, and disease risks make it one of the least politically attractive agricultural sectors. No politician ever won an election promising to expand pig farms. Add to this Malaysia’s socio-religious sensitivities, particularly in highly urbanised West Coast states, and the industry faces an unusual challenge: its economic logic is often overshadowed by cultural discomfort.

In many places, pigs are not merely livestock. They are a political liability with hooves. Then there is disease risk. The memory of the Nipah virus outbreak still lingers like a cautionary tale in agricultural textbooks. African Swine Fever remains a constant threat. In business terms, pig farming carries what analysts call “catastrophic risk exposure.”

 

Opportunities

Ironically, the very factors weakening pig farming in the peninsula are creating enormous opportunities elsewhere. Sarawak’s rise illustrates the classic principle of economic displacement. When one region restricts production due to land competition or social pressures, another region with fewer constraints fills the gap. It is textbook comparative advantage — David Ricardo would have approved, even if he might have requested a less aromatic example.

Sarawak’s demographic composition, land availability, and policy support create a near-perfect environment for the industry. The state government openly encourages investment, viewing pig farming not as a nuisance but as a legitimate economic driver.

 

Modern technology also transforms the sector. Closed-house systems eliminate odour, improve animal health, and enhance productivity. In other words, pig farming is evolving from a rustic backyard activity into a highly controlled agro-industrial enterprise. It is more like a climate-controlled protein factory.

 

Threats

Still, threats loom large. The biggest is not disease, nor imports, nor market volatility.

It is perception. Pig farming sits at the intersection of environmental activism, religious sensitivities, urban land scarcity, and royal directives — a combination that would give any business consultant nightmares.

 

At the national level, Malaysia now imports roughly one-third of its pork supply. This dependence exposes the country to external price shocks — an irony for a nation that once exported the very same product. Pig farming, in the end, is not merely about pork. It is a mirror reflecting Malaysia’s broader developmental tensions — between urban growth and agricultural preservation, between cultural sensitivities and economic pragmatism, between environmental protection and food security.

 

A business student might conclude their SWOT report with a neat recommendation: modernise, relocate, consolidate, and integrate technology. The success of this industry depends not only on market forces or production efficiency — but on whether society can tolerate its smell. And that, unfortunately, is not something you can fix with a deodoriser or a business model.

 

Reference:

OPINION | Pigs, Politics, and the Peculiar Economics of Smell: A SWOT Analysis of Malaysia’s Most Sensitive Livestock, Mihar Dias, Newswav, 22 Feb 2026

Plenty of Graduates but No Jobs?

 

A mismatch that’s been years in the making. Plenty of graduates, not enough jobs: Malaysia’s real skills crisis. The result? Underemployment, frustration, and a whole lot of wasted potential. Blaming students for choosing courses misses the point entirely. The better question is: why are they making these choices in the first place? 

The system is letting them down. For starters, universities are often stuck in the past. Curricula are outdated, overly theoretical, and slow to change. There is a serious disconnect between what is taught in lecture halls and what is needed in the real world. And the link between academia and industry? Weak at best.

 

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org

Then there is TVET—technical and vocational education and training. We desperately need skilled technicians, engineers, and trade specialists. But let’s be honest: TVET still carries a stigma. Society continues to equate success with a university degree rather than hands-on skills. The result is a lopsided system—critical sectors crying out for talent while degree holders compete for a shrinking pool of office jobs. 

A significant portion of jobs in Malaysia remains low-skilled. These roles do not allow graduates to fully utilise what they have learned. As a result, many end up underemployed and working in positions that do not match their training or potential. Over time, this erodes motivation, creativity, and the country’s ability to compete globally. 

Then there are the skills employers consistently demand: critical thinking, problem-solving, adaptability, and communication. Many graduates struggle in these areas, largely because they have been trained to memorise and repeat rather than to question and create. English proficiency is another persistent barrier, especially in an increasingly globalised economy.

It needs to happen now. 

First, education must be reformed. Curricula should be developed with meaningful industry input, not in isolation. Internships, apprenticeships, and real-world projects should be core components of learning, not optional add-ons. 

Second, we need to stop looking down on TVET. It must be repositioned as a prestigious and viable pathway. This requires sustained investment and a national effort to reshape public perception. Countries that succeed in this area recognise that all forms of skilled work have value. 

Third, the government must step up—not as a bystander, but as a strategic planner. It should actively forecast future skills needs and align education policies accordingly. Incentives should be provided to companies that invest in training and upskilling their workforce, rather than simply lamenting the lack of “job-ready” graduates.

 

Fourth, career guidance in schools must be strengthened. Students should not be told simply to “follow their passion” without context. They need access to real data about the job market to make informed, realistic choices. 

Finally, we must rethink what success looks like. A degree is not the sole measure of a person’s worth. Competence, adaptability, and a willingness to learn continuously matter just as much, if not more. 

Malaysia has talent. Plenty of it. What we lack is alignment. Alignment between education and industry. Between what young people aspire to and what opportunities actually exist. Between policy and reality. Until we fix that, we will continue blaming students for choosing the “wrong skills” while ignoring the deeper, systemic failure. It is time for action—not to blame our youth, but to build a system that finally works for them. 

And the first business of today is to sack the present Minister of Education – never in the field of education was so much owed by so few to so many! 

Reference:

OPINION | Plenty of graduates, not enough jobs: Malaysia’s real skills crisis, K. T. Maran, https://newswav.com, 20 April 2026