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The Sun
3 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
WCR ranking rise reflects Anwar's reform success: Expert
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's 11-spot leap in the World Competitiveness Ranking (WCR) 2025 serves as clear evidence of the effectiveness of the reform agenda spearheaded by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, says geostrategist Prof Dr Azmi Hassan. He said that although there were some parties still questioning the implementation of these reforms, international assessment bodies clearly indicated that the nation's transformation was heading in a positive direction, especially in combating corruption and strengthening economic policies. 'The government's core reform is focused on minimising corruption, as the Prime Minister has often stressed — if corruption is not curbed, it is the country that will suffer. 'Anti-graft efforts are not limited to high-profile cases like 1MDB, but also include various forms of corruption in both the public and private sectors. These are among the key reform elements being closely observed by the international community,' said the Senior Fellow at the Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research (NASR). Malaysia is now ranked 23rd in the latest WCR report, up from 34th place the previous year — its best performance since 2020. However, Azmi expressed concern that the government's genuine reform efforts were not fully appreciated domestically due to political differences and the unwillingness of some quarters to view progress objectively. 'Some groups deliberately ignore the facts because they want to discredit the government, but I believe this is where agencies such as the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) must step up with data and statistics to reflect the government's reform achievements,' he said. At the same time, he urged that the Prime Minister's credibility and diplomatic acumen be fully leveraged to boost Malaysia's global image. 'Anwar is a respected and articulate leader, especially among ASEAN and Indo-Pacific nations. His ability to present arguments and perspectives on global issues is unmatched and should be used to the country's advantage,' he said. Meanwhile, University of Malaya (UM) lecturer Assoc Prof Dr Khoo Ying Hooi described the improved ranking as a reflection of progress in governance and institutional frameworks, including bureaucratic rationalisation and administrative efficiency. Dr Khoo, from the Department of International and Strategic Studies at UM's Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, said initiatives such as the National Anti-Corruption Strategy 2024–2028 had made a significant impact on international perceptions, though the improved ranking should not lead to complacency. 'The improved ranking doesn't mean Malaysia has already achieved excellence in fighting corruption,' she said. 'As for the efficiency of government service delivery, there are clear signs of progress, but challenges remain in terms of the scale and consistency of impact across all administrative levels,' she added. The WCR is published annually by the Switzerland-based Institute for Management Development (IMD). It is a comprehensive report that evaluates an economy's ability to generate and sustain a business-friendly environment conducive to long-term prosperity.
The Sun
3 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
WCR ranking boost reflects success of Anwar's reform agenda
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's 11-spot leap in the World Competitiveness Ranking (WCR) 2025 serves as clear evidence of the effectiveness of the reform agenda spearheaded by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, says geostrategist Prof Dr Azmi Hassan. He said that although there were some parties still questioning the implementation of these reforms, international assessment bodies clearly indicated that the nation's transformation was heading in a positive direction, especially in combating corruption and strengthening economic policies. 'The government's core reform is focused on minimising corruption, as the Prime Minister has often stressed — if corruption is not curbed, it is the country that will suffer. 'Anti-graft efforts are not limited to high-profile cases like 1MDB, but also include various forms of corruption in both the public and private sectors. These are among the key reform elements being closely observed by the international community,' said the Senior Fellow at the Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research (NASR). Malaysia is now ranked 23rd in the latest WCR report, up from 34th place the previous year — its best performance since 2020. However, Azmi expressed concern that the government's genuine reform efforts were not fully appreciated domestically due to political differences and the unwillingness of some quarters to view progress objectively. 'Some groups deliberately ignore the facts because they want to discredit the government, but I believe this is where agencies such as the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) must step up with data and statistics to reflect the government's reform achievements,' he said. At the same time, he urged that the Prime Minister's credibility and diplomatic acumen be fully leveraged to boost Malaysia's global image. 'Anwar is a respected and articulate leader, especially among ASEAN and Indo-Pacific nations. His ability to present arguments and perspectives on global issues is unmatched and should be used to the country's advantage,' he said. Meanwhile, University of Malaya (UM) lecturer Assoc Prof Dr Khoo Ying Hooi described the improved ranking as a reflection of progress in governance and institutional frameworks, including bureaucratic rationalisation and administrative efficiency. Dr Khoo, from the Department of International and Strategic Studies at UM's Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, said initiatives such as the National Anti-Corruption Strategy 2024–2028 had made a significant impact on international perceptions, though the improved ranking should not lead to complacency. 'The improved ranking doesn't mean Malaysia has already achieved excellence in fighting corruption,' she said. 'As for the efficiency of government service delivery, there are clear signs of progress, but challenges remain in terms of the scale and consistency of impact across all administrative levels,' she added. The WCR is published annually by the Switzerland-based Institute for Management Development (IMD). It is a comprehensive report that evaluates an economy's ability to generate and sustain a business-friendly environment conducive to long-term prosperity.
Barnama
3 days ago
- Business
- Barnama
WCR Ranking Boost Reflects Success Of Anwar's Reform Agenda
By Lucia Terey Anak John KUALA LUMPUR, June 18 (Bernama) -- Malaysia's 11-spot leap in the World Competitiveness Ranking (WCR) 2025 serves as clear evidence of the effectiveness of the reform agenda spearheaded by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, says geostrategist Prof Dr Azmi Hassan. He said that although there were some parties still questioning the implementation of these reforms, international assessment bodies clearly indicated that the nation's transformation was heading in a positive direction, especially in combating corruption and strengthening economic policies. 'The government's core reform is focused on minimising corruption, as the Prime Minister has often stressed — if corruption is not curbed, it is the country that will suffer. 'Anti-graft efforts are not limited to high-profile cases like 1MDB, but also include various forms of corruption in both the public and private sectors. These are among the key reform elements being closely observed by the international community,' said the Senior Fellow at the Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research (NASR). Malaysia is now ranked 23rd in the latest WCR report, up from 34th place the previous year — its best performance since 2020. However, Azmi expressed concern that the government's genuine reform efforts were not fully appreciated domestically due to political differences and the unwillingness of some quarters to view progress objectively. 'Some groups deliberately ignore the facts because they want to discredit the government, but I believe this is where agencies such as the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) must step up with data and statistics to reflect the government's reform achievements,' he said. At the same time, he urged that the Prime Minister's credibility and diplomatic acumen be fully leveraged to boost Malaysia's global image.
New Straits Times
29-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Asean leaders fortify unity amid growing global challenges
KUALA LUMPUR: The 46th Asean Summit, under Malaysia's chairmanship, has reaffirmed the bloc's commitment to navigating an increasingly complex global landscape, championing unity, economic resilience and principled diplomacy. As the curtains closed on the summit, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim underscored the leaders' resolve to confront mounting geopolitical and economic pressures from the humanitarian crisis in Gaza to the intensifying strategic competition between global powers. Anwar emphasised that Asean must act with a collective voice, grounded in multilateralism and inclusive decision-making. Under Malaysia's chairmanship, one of the most notable institutional developments was the reaffirmation that Timor-Leste's accession to Asean is firmly on track, with full membership expected by October. In his closing press conference, Anwar reiterated Malaysia's strong support for Timor-Leste's integration, pledging that the bloc would do "whatever necessary" to facilitate the process under the Asean Foreign Ministers' framework. The summit also addressed the prolonged Myanmar crisis, with Asean leaders agreeing to push for an expanded nationwide ceasefire as a necessary precursor to inclusive political dialogue. Anwar, who recently engaged both Myanmar's junta chief Min Aung Hlaing and the opposition National Unity Government, said Asean remained a neutral platform for trust-building and eventual reconciliation. One of the summit highlights was the adoption of the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on Asean 2025 and Beyond, a long-term strategic framework aimed at reinforcing Asean centrality and enhancing the bloc's role on the global stage. The declaration envisions a more assertive and responsive Asean in addressing regional concerns like the South China Sea and the Myanmar conflict. Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research senior fellow Dr Azmi Hassan described the declaration as Malaysia's signal that Asean must evolve to stay relevant. "The two main strategies are to increase Asean's involvement globally and reinforce the centrality concept. "This includes staying neutral, especially in great power rivalries and trade conflicts, and being more proactive in shaping the global discourse," he said. While the KL Declaration outlines a 20-year vision, Azmi believes its key goals are achievable within the next three to four years, depending on the direction set by future Asean chairs. "Even as the Philippines takes over the chairmanship next year, Malaysia wants to remain in the pilot seat," he added. On the economic front, the summit produced a strong regional response to the United States' retaliatory tariffs, which target Asean exports with duties ranging from 10 to 49 per cent. Anwar made it clear that unilateral trade actions threatened global economic stability and undermined Asean's commitment to fair and open trade. He confirmed that the bloc would pursue engagement with Washington through diplomatic channels, favouring cooperation over confrontation. As such, any decisions made in regards to the tariffs should not be made to the detriment of other member countries. In a major diplomatic breakthrough, the summit also hosted the inaugural trilateral meeting between Asean, China and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). This, in itself, was a coup of sorts, as Anwar described the gathering attended by Chinese Premier Li Qiang as a strategic milestone and a testament to Asean's growing convening power. This summit was apart from the Asean-GCC Summit, held for only the second time. Anwar said the spirit of Asean centrality remains critical to regional cooperation. The Asean-GCC-China Summit also saw a united call by Asean, China and the GCC for an immediate and lasting ceasefire in Gaza. It condemned attacks on civilians and demanded full humanitarian access, including the restoration of essential services such as water, electricity, food, fuel and medicine. In his closing press conference, Anwar said the summit represented one of the most substantive milestones in Asean's history. He added that the summit had successfully achieved its objectives, attributing the outcome to the strong support and unity among Asean leaders, as well as the bloc's first meaningful simultaneous engagement with the GCC and China. He also said Malaysia's chairmanship would continue to focus on building a more inclusive, sustainable, and resilient Asean, in line with the bloc's long-term vision.
The Star
29-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Not the end of the line for the two party stalwarts, say analysts
PETALING JAYA: The resignation of Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad from the Cabinet is not likely to be the end for them. Instead, it could mark the start of a rebound ahead of the next party polls and 16th General Elections, say analysts. They believe the two still have many allies within the present PKR leadership. Rafizi and Nik Nazmi might be preparing to go for the party's top two positions at the next PKR polls in three years, said Dr Azmi Hassan, senior fellow at Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research. 'Their strategies are much clearer now. 'They are trying to realign their fight in PKR for the top two posts when Anwar's term as Prime Minister ends,' said Azmi. He said Rafizi has allies within the present PKR vice-presidency and central leadership committee line-up. 'Rafizi will not abandon PKR. He will strategise for the next three years for the ultimate post – the party presidency,' said Azmi. He also agreed that Rafizi was appointed as Economy Minister because of his position as party deputy president. 'It is not so much for his acumen or expertise on economic matters. 'So, it is the correct decision by Rafizi (to resign). 'It looks good for him,' said Azmi, referring to Rafizi's public image. Universiti Sains Malaysia's political analyst Prof Dr Sivamurugan Pandian said Rafizi's decision is in line with what he said during the campaign period. 'He is holding on to his word to avoid anyone questioning his political integrity. 'It is expected that Nik Nazmi would follow in Rafizi's footsteps, given the Setiawangsa MP lost his vice-presidency. 'It's a question of principle and political integrity,' said Sivamurugan. Both Azmi and Sivamurugan believe there will be a Cabinet reshuffle in the near future, as the Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz's tenure as senator will also end this December. 'It is timely for the PM to retain, drop or make new appointments,' added Sivamurugan. Last week, Anwar said the Cabinet would not be reshuffled after the PKR polls, but he would not stop any ministers from resigning if they wish to do so. During the party polls, Rafizi lost the deputy presidency post to Anwar's daughter Nurul Izzah, while Nik Nazmi lost the vice-presidency race in an 11-cornered fight.
