00:00With the Madani government in its fourth year in office, analysts warn that reform pledges must deliver tangible results
00:07or risk the administration losing ground in an escalating perception battle with the opposition.
00:14University Science Malaysia's Siva Murugan Pandian said the opposition will be looking to exploit public dissatisfaction
00:21over multiple issues as the next general election nears,
00:24including the rising cost of living and perceptions of elitism within government ranks.
00:31He said that although Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim had previously promised reforms in multiple areas, the system looks the same.
00:39Siva Murugan said this narrative sticks because of controversies around appointments to government-linked companies and procurement issues.
00:47He said meaningful reforms, particularly in GLC governance, procurement laws, and institutional independence,
00:55including to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, would significantly help with public trust.
01:01Meanwhile, Shaza Shukri of International Islamic University of Malaysia expects the opposition to focus on Malay rights,
01:08citing the Urban Renewal Act and Kampung Sungai Baru redevelopment.
01:12However, James Chin of the University of Tasmania argued that the government's most urgent priority is the economy,
01:20as improving economic conditions could help Anwar win over past supporters.
01:25Hanyu Jo, FMT
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