01/12/2025

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‘Predictions don’t win polls’

Reform agenda delivers faster, cheaper services PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia’s Bureaucratic Red Tape Reform (RKB) initiative has already delivered RM1.6 billion in savings by cutting delays and streamlining processes across ministries, state governments and local authorities. Prime Minister’s Department Performance Acceleration Coordination Unit (Pacu) executive director Ahmad Jefry Aziz @ Adan said the reforms, part of the Public Service Reform Agenda, have sped up applications, project approvals, licensing and counter services, directly benefiting the public. “When processing times drop from 30 days to five, the impact is clear. People feel the difference,” he told Bernama ahead of the National Public Service Reform Convention 2025, scheduled for Dec 5–7 at Dataran Putrajaya. Led by Malaysia Productivity Corporation (MPC), RKB has registered 1,007 projects, with 230 completed. Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar urged ministries and state governments to register more projects to expand reforms nationwide. “Participation is key. MPC helps agencies refine processes, accelerate applications and adopt technologies like AI to improve service delivery,” Ahmad Jefry said. The initiative is already showing results internationally. Malaysia jumped 11 places to 23rd in the International Institute for Management Development’s World Competitiveness Ranking 2025, with the bureaucracy indicator under the Institutional Framework rising 22 places to 14th. “Malaysia is on the right track, but we cannot be complacent. With five years to reach our 2030 target of 12th, improving three to four spots a year is a good benchmark,”Ahmad Jefry said. “We want reforms measured not just by project numbers but by tangible results, like the RM1.6 billion saved so far.” Pacu strategic planning section director Mohd Fauzi Mohd Said said 684 projects are implemented at the ministerial level and 323 at state level, all monitored by MPC with monthly reports submitted to Pacu and the chief secretary’s office. He cited the Kulai Fast Lane system, where AI now shortens development project approvals from three to six months to under a month, boosting foreign investment. “Faster processes attract investors. Reform isn’t just about speed – it drives economic growth.” Other successes include the Farmers’ Organisation Authority, where flood relief aid for padi farmers now takes two months instead of four and the Immigration Department, where some passport renewals are completed in under an hour. “RKB is proving that reform works,” Mohd Fauzi said. “It strengthens public sector performance and builds confidence that Malaysia can sustain the momentum needed to be among the world’s 12 most competitive countries by 2030, in line with the 13MP.” – Bernama

Ű BY IKHWAN ZULKAFLEE newsdesk@thesundaily.com

o Pahang voters judge leaders on performance and stability, with long term delivery outweighing political bravado: Backbenchers Club chairman

He told theSun the government demonstrates “maturity, discipline and the courage to make difficult decisions that prioritise Malaysia’s long-term future”. “Under the leadership of the prime minister, the government has shown something Malaysians have long asked for – maturity, discipline and the courage to make difficult decisions. “This is not a government that avoids tough choices, it faces them head-on with fairness and social responsibility at its core.” Mohd Shahar said the administration has maintained strong economic fundamentals despite what he described as a “polycrisis world” marked by geopolitical tensions, economic shocks, climate pressures, supply chain disruptions and lingering inflation. He also cited key indicators such as 4.4% GDP growth in the first half of 2025, unemployment at 3.0% and RM190 billion in approved investments – a 19% year-on-year increase. KUALA Perikatan Nasional’s confidence in capturing Pahang is “political noise”, not a reflection of reality, said Paya Besar MP Datuk Mohd Shahar Abdullah. Voters, he stressed, value stability, performance and long-term delivery above political rhetoric. In an exclusive interview with theSun , Mohd Shahar, who also heads the Paya Besar Umno division, dismissed recent PN claims of impending victory in the state. “In politics, anyone can make predictions. That’s normal. But predictions don’t win polls. “What matters is not the volume of the claims, it is the substance behind them,” he said. The MP, a former deputy minister of Finance and chairman of the Barisan Nasional Backbenchers Club (BBC), said his perspective is grounded in daily engagement with communities. “As someone who is on the ground every week, meeting families, community leaders, youth and local businesses, I can tell you this confidently – the people of Pahang judge based on performance, stability and delivery, not slogans.” Mohd Shahar said voters are seeking leaders who deliver tangible improvements, not political drama. “People want calm leadership, not constant politicking. They want to see flood mitigation progress, balanced regional development, youth opportunities and cost-of-living support. That is what the current government has been providing.” Highlighting the progress made LUMPUR:

“These indicators show the world has confidence in Malaysia’s policy direction.” He highlighted the government’s fiscal approach, blending responsibility with empathy and its commitment to reducing the fiscal deficit to 3.5% of GDP by 2026 while supporting vulnerable groups. Initiatives include Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) assistance totalling RM15 billion, ongoing investments in education, health, TVET and targeted subsidies including Budi95, diesel rationalisation and electricity support. “At the same time, enforcement actions have recovered RM15.5 billion from leakages and corruption. This combination of discipline and empathy is the hallmark of the Madani philosophy.” Mohd Shahar noted Budget 2026 continues the structural reform trajectory set since Budget 2023, aligned with the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP). “Reforms like SST expansion, phased e-invoicing, the global under federal-state cooperation, he said: “From infrastructure upgrades to rural connectivity, from economic corridors to social assistance, Pahang has seen steady improvements. These are not talking points, they are results people can see. At the end of the day, results win elections.” The MP pointed out that PN’s public confidence is not a guarantee of votes. “Anyone can claim they are confident of winning. But in Pahang, trust must be earned through decades of service, proven delivery and genuine connection with the rakyat. That trust is not easily shaken.” He also emphasised the importance of political maturity among voters, especially in a state where citizens have experienced multiple political cycles. “Pahang voters appreciate stability. They understand that steady and stable leadership through the Unity government is crucial to safeguard livelihoods and long-term growth.” Mohd Shahar stressed that BN leaders remain focused on governance rather than political theatrics. “We are focused on serving the people of Pahang, delivering results and ensuring stability because that is what voters value most. When the time comes, I believe the rakyat will choose continuity, performance and responsible leadership.” Currently, BN and PH collectively

hold 25 state seats in Pahang, while PN has 17. PN has also expressed confidence in forming state governments in Perak and Selangor, while continuing to govern four northern and eastern states collectively known as SG4. These states have pooled resources for mutual development through SG4 Group Sdn Bhd, a joint venture aimed at boosting regional growth

and economic cooperation. With voters increasingly prioritising stability and delivery over empty slogans, Mohd Shahar said the outcome in Pahang will ultimately reflect performance on the ground, not political bravado. “At the end of the day, Malaysians choose leaders who can deliver, not those who only promise.”

Mohd Shahar said voters are seeking leaders who deliver tangible improvements, not political drama. – ADAM AMIR HAMZAH/THESUN

Unity govt enters next GE from position of strength: MP KUALA LUMPUR: The Madani government under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has delivered “stability, clarity and responsible leadership” amid global uncertainty, Paya Besar MP and BBC chairman Datuk Mohd Shahar Abdullah said. Mohd Shahar said major international rating agencies like Moody’s, S&P and Fitch have reaffirmed Malaysia’s stable outlook, signalling confidence in the country’s policy direction under the Madani framework. minimum tax, dividend income tax and excise duties on sugar sweetened beverages are not politically easy, but they are necessary for transparency, competitiveness and sustainability.” government has shown that it can govern responsibly, manage the economy prudently and introduce reforms that prioritise long-term national interest over short-term political gain.”

Mohd Shahar said the Unity government’s majority in Parliament remains firm, but what matters even more is the cohesion among its partners. “A solid majority is important, but cohesion is what sustains stability. “The coalition partners understand the importance of maintaining a united front for the country’s stability and economic recovery. “When MPs see clear direction and responsible leadership, unity becomes self-sustaining.” He added that the BBC continues to play an active role in strengthening cooperation between government MPs both in Parliament and on the ground. “As people experience clearer communication, better services and meaningful assistance, their confidence grows, especially among middle-income households and the younger generation.” He stressed that political stability is “earned, not claimed”, and the Unity government has earned it through action and delivery. – By Ikhwan Zulkaflee

He also highlighted Malaysia’s push into high-value sectors such as semiconductors, digital development, artificial intelligence and green energy. “This is how we raise the nation’s ceiling by positioning Malaysia in industries that create high-income jobs. In addition, the regional allocations, RM6.9 billion for Sabah and RM6 billion for Sarawak, show the government’s commitment to balanced development. “We are seeing economic resilience, disciplined fiscal management and reforms that balance growth with social justice. Malaysia is on the right path, firm, fair and future-focused,” he said. He added that the Unity government is heading into the next general election from a “position of strength”, backed by stable governance, solid economic performance and a proven record of responsible leadership. “Political stability is not something you declare, it is something you demonstrate through performance, consistency and delivery. “Over the past two years, the Unity