KUALA LUMPUR, February 20 – Former Bangi MP Ong Kian Ming has called on the government to confront Malaysia’s economic challenges head-on instead of shifting blame to past administrations, particularly regarding the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) scandal’s impact on the ringgit’s depreciation. Ong emphasized the importance of the current government acknowledging the economic hurdles it faces, cautioning that continued blame-shifting could undermine public perception of its effectiveness.
Highlighting the need for consistent policies and clear timelines, Ong stressed the importance of transparency and communication in implementing initiatives outlined in Budget 2024, such as the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 and the National Energy Transition Roadmap. He urged the government to provide funding details for these plans and to roll out key economic catalysts promptly to boost public confidence in the unity government’s economic agenda.
Additionally, Ong advised enhancing strategic communication efforts to prevent missteps like the recent controversy over Madani Rice pricing from eroding public trust. Despite the challenges, he remains optimistic about salvaging the economic narrative under the unity government but emphasizes the importance of swift action to reassure the public about their future economic prospects.
