Midterm rating uptick belies Anwar's challenges

Malaysian leader under pressure amid political headwinds and voters' angst over cost of living

- Hazlin Hassan

KUALA LUMPUR - Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has crossed the halfway mark of his first term as Malaysia's top leader, and amid marginal gains in approval ratings, he is still up against a minefield of political and economic challenges.

From the looks of it, the Anwar administration's sputtering attempts to implement tax hikes and subsidy cuts perhaps encapsulate the hesitation to put its foot down on steps deemed necessary for long-term fiscal health, as well as moves that could be seen as not only detrimental to those at the bottom of the economic ladder but also politically risky.

Though Malaysia's inflation is at its lowest level in over four years, the cost of living is widely seen as continuing to climb - with the expanded sales and service tax (SST) taking effect from July 1.

"We used to eat out almost every day, but now we have cut it down to just two meals outside on weekends," said teacher S. Lee, 43. Her family of four used to spend around RM80 (S$24) for a meal at a cafe, but now that same meal could easily cost RM120.

"Even economy rice isn't economical any more," she said.

The worries come as Datuk Seri Anwar, 77, faces a host of tough issues while crossing the halfway mark of his first five-year term that began in November 2022, even as current political stability has resulted in an uptick in support for the premier.

His term as Malaysia's 10th prime minister has been lauded for bringing back political stability, compared with the chaotic years that saw three prime ministers in the aftermath of the 2018 general election until Mr Anwar took the country's top post in 2022.