05/04/2026

NATIONAL 3 theSun on Sunday APR 5, 2026 ‘Drop rhetoric and focus on solutions-driven efforts’

WFH policy signals strategic response GEORGE TOWN: Amid growing global energy supply uncertainty, the government’s implementation of the work from home (WFH) policy is increasingly being viewed as a strategic measure that extends beyond conventional administrative practice. Two scholars from the Universiti Sains Malaysia Centre for Social Sciences said the policy should be understood as part of a broader adjustment of economic and social structures in response to evolving global and regional challenges. Dr Hipolitus Y.R. Wangge and Dr Law Chee Hong, drawing on data-driven analyses and observations of current policies, said Malaysia’s WFH approach reflects a more mature form of governance, shifting from rigid control to a flexible framework that allows institutions to tailor implementation according to their specific needs. They said from an international perspective, experiences in developed countries, such as Finland and Sweden, demonstrate that sustained remote working practices could help reduce traffic congestion, improve work-life balance and enhance workforce flexibility. “However, the effectiveness of the model is not universal. Work culture factors, organisational discipline and social structure play an important role in determining the outcome of the implementation of the policy. “In the Asian context, including Japan and South Korea, implementation of WFH often faces challenges due to traditional work cultures that emphasise physical presence and hierarchical structures,” they said in a joint statement. Law said a key distinction between the current rollout and the model used during the Covid-19 pandemic lies in the policy itself, which was previously mandatory and comprehensive, while the current approach is more flexible and non-coercive. “The flexibility enables both the public and private sectors to design implementation mechanisms that are better suited to their needs, while minimising risks to productivity and economic growth.” Meanwhile, Wangge said from a macroeconomic standpoint, reducing fuel consumption is a primary driver of the policy. “By lowering the need for daily commuting, the government could better manage fuel subsidy expenditure and strengthen the country’s fiscal position.

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

were also presented. “In addition, I emphasised the priority of allocating funds for repairing or expanding stalls for traders in need in the Kuantan district to improve the economic level of the majority of the people, and not just focus on large or mega projects.” Anwar also urged the Kuantan District Council and the Housing and Local Government Ministry to monitor the requirements of traders so that they could conduct their businesses more comfortably and increase their income. – Bernama subsidies for RON95 and diesel. “While diesel prices have been adjusted for the general market, subsidies remain for farmers, fishermen and public transport. “So, where will it (the money) come from? If we raise taxes, the public would be angry. If we don’t tax, there would be no money.” Anwar reiterated that the moment demands political maturity, not noise. “This is the time for constructive engagement between government and Opposition, not statements without understanding or knowledge. “Reflect on this. Malaysia is not insulated from global pressures. I hope the public understands both our limitations and our efforts.” He added that prolonged instability could force a reassessment of growth targets and development plans. “For now, we are holding steady,” he said, adding that the government is managing the situation through the National Economic Action Council and National Security Council. “A special task force has also been formed, and all ministers are working to navigate the crisis.” He also reaffirmed that education would remain a top priority. He emphasised that the approach is aimed at safeguarding the quality of education for future generations. “Our policy is to ensure that approved educational projects are implemented without delay. “Large-scale projects requiring longer timelines may take more time, but smaller initiatives, particularly in education and healthcare, will be prioritised.”

Anwar decries political posturing by Opposition amid global economic woes

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia cannot escape the global economic storm and all parties, especially the Opposition, must rise above empty rhetoric and engage in serious, solutions-driven discourse, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He added that while the country is grappling with external shocks beyond its control, its economic fundamentals remain intact. “While I sometimes hear the Opposition shouting criticisms, the reality is that the latest report by Bank Negara Malaysia shows our economic performance has improved (and is) better than projected. “Growth, investment and inflation are all stronger than expected,” he said during a

He called on the prime minister to recognise the depth of public frustration and the reasons behind the anger. Despite mounting pressures, Anwar defended Putrajaya’s handling of fuel prices, adding that Malaysia continues to shield consumers. “Oil prices have risen and both the government and I have been criticised. Yet, our RON95 price remains among the lowest globally. “Even when we reduced the subsidised quota from 300 litres to 200 litres in these difficult conditions, criticism persisted.” Anwar said the government is currently absorbing about RM6 billion a month in

meet-and-greet session at SMK Clifford in Kuala Kangsar, Perak yesterday. However, Anwar cautioned that the global landscape remains volatile and urged critics to move beyond political posturing. “The world has been shaken, not just by an oil and gas crisis, but also a wider economic shock. “This goes beyond the Strait of Hormuz, it is disrupting global oil production itself.” The fuel price issue has drawn attention in recent days. Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin said consecutive diesel price hikes could have a ripple effect that would burden the public.

“This also creates room for targeted assistance to sectors affected by global uncertainties.” – Bernama Govt taking precautions to address impact of energy crisis KUALA LUMPUR: The government has taken precautionary measures in projects and state government initiatives, covering issues such as the increase in the price of construction materials for MEETING FUTURE LEADERS ... Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim interacting with students during a visit to the Malay College Kuala Kangsar in Perak yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC

government – especially the Kuantan district – must focus primarily on ensuring that small projects under the Rolling Plan approved under the 13th Malaysia Plan are promptly implemented. Regarding land matters in project implementation, Anwar said the federal government would provide the best possible solutions to state governments to facilitate the implementation of approved projects and avoid long delays. He said he was earlier briefed on the status and progress of the implementation of federal

the public. “Regarding the increase in cost of living, the government is taking immediate and comprehensive measures to ensure the public are protected and supported, in the short term and long term, from the current economic pressures. “This development is continuously monitored and addressed from the early stages to ensure that its direct impact on the country’s economy could be minimised,” He said the federal government, with the close cooperation of the Pahang

coordinating the implementation of national policies, particularly to address the impact of the global energy crisis, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He added that the issue was emphasised at the Kuantan District Development Meeting during his one-day working visit to the district on Friday. He also said national defence and security have been strengthened to ensure the wellbeing of the government and

educational institutions such as schools, drainage maintenance for flood mitigation areas as well as areas that have never experienced floods. “The status of the public’s wellbeing, including hardcore poverty, the crime index, the Madani Adopted Village and Madani Adopted School initiatives, the status of stall development in the Kuantan district and the proposed Cakna Madani projects