24 November 2022 marks a historic moment for Malaysia as Anwar Ibrahim was sworn in as the 10th Prime Minister of Malaysia (PMX) after a tumultuous period in his political career. In just a few weeks, it will mark 1,000 days for Anwar Ibrahim as PMX. The government is totally full throttle to come out with a new formula in the policy that will serve the nation well.
However, how does the public perceive the government's new formula for public policy or initiatives? Furthermore, the ASEAN Chairperson was put to the test of leadership with the theme "Inclusivity and Sustainability". Determining how well the government functions is a difficult endeavour, and no formula will please everyone. A common approach to assessing it is how well the government can handle domestic issues and develop public policy that addresses the issue sensibly while reducing public concern. While managing international affairs prudently, attracting investments, establishing relationships, and tackling regional security. International issues may come in season, but in ASEAN, it is calm as if you woke up fresh with coffee and a good run in the park.
Well, it is about timing. The timing for the international arena in 2025 is getting anxious, especially since the POTUS is a guy like Donald Trump. The timing for Malaysia to be the Chairperson of ASEAN in 2025 will be a great test for the region to stay prosperous and a non-aligned region.
So far, we have witnessed a few dramas domestically.
4. Media Law
The domestic performance is far more complex than it was translated, with several conflicting viewpoints on PMX's recent special announcement, amended SST, and controversial CJ appointment. It contributes to the public's varied sentiments about how the government functions in their best interests. Anwar Turun's rally attracted five digits of attendees who wanted to express themselves during his administration.
How can we assess the government's performance given all of the above? Tackling domestic issues will be the main topic for the people (rakyat) as they feel pressured by government policies or initiatives, with the current cost of living posing a financial burden on them.
Internationally, Malaysia is doing well in diplomacy and negotiations. As ASEAN Chairman, Malaysia urges unity in confronting the US tariff war. Attracting lots of potential investment globally, ambitious to be an AI powerhouse in the region, to end the maritime dispute with Indonesia, and to mediate peace talks amid Thailand–Cambodia border clashes. Therefore, in the international arena, Malaysia is doing good.
What people should also realise is that Malaysia has a rich history of diplomacy, with the Malacca Sultanate serving as an excellent example. Majapahit and Siam are the main competitors in leveraging their strategic geographic location as a world commerce port at the time, along with other foreign challenges. Maintaining solid diplomatic relations with China for deterrence, as well as trading interests with the Ryukyu. It stretches to India, Portugal, and Turkey, as well as other Islamic empires through marriage. From trading partners to strategic allies, any type of government faces a difficult task in ensuring the safety of all areas of security. In the modern era, Malaysia is seen as a trusted partner in every aspect due to our nature of being honest, transparent, and warm-hearted in hearted friendly manner. In the recent issue on the Thailand-Cambodia border dispute, it is the responsibility of the ASEAN Chairperson to resolve the issue, and it was done well by Malaysia.
While both foreign and public policies are crucial to a nation's progress, public policy plays a more direct and vital role in shaping people's daily lives and long-term development. Foreign policy primarily influences international relations, trade, and diplomacy, often yielding indirect benefits such as foreign investment or geopolitical stability. However, public policies such as education, healthcare, housing, employment, and subsidies have an immediate and sustained impact on citizens’ well-being and opportunities. According to the World Bank, inclusive public policies are key to reducing inequality, improving human capital, and promoting sustainable economic growth. In Malaysia, for instance, initiatives like PADU (Central Database Hub) and subsidy reform aim to improve resource targeting, demonstrating how internal policy decisions significantly affect social equity and economic resilience. Therefore, while foreign policy can enhance national standing, it is public policy that fundamentally shapes the quality of life and social mobility for the people it serves.
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