Saturday, 21 August 2021, Kuala Lumpur – The Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS) congratulates YAB Dato’ Seri Ismail Sabri bin Yaakob on his appointment as the Ninth Prime Minister of Malaysia. The Prime Minister’s appointment is in accordance with Article 43 (2) (a) of the Federal Constitution, after a thorough review process by His Majesty Yang di-Pertuan Agong. In line with the decree of His Majesty YDPA, a vote of confidence must be tabled in Parliament at the soonest possible time to prove his majority support.

With this appointment, IDEAS urges the new government to work immediately to resolve the twin pandemic and economic crises that the nation is currently facing. IDEAS hopes that under YAB Dato’ Seri Ismail Sabri’s administration, the government will carry on the key initiatives that have already been in place, including the National Recovery Plan and National COVID-19 Immunisation Programme. Utmost priority must be given to address the public healthcare system, due to the spike of COVID-19 cases across the nation. IDEAS previously issued a joint statement with recommendations on addressing this, which can be read here.

Quoting Tricia Yeoh, CEO of IDEAS, “While it is positive that the political impasse has now ended, IDEAS cautions that the political position that the current coalition is in is relatively unstable. Given that the new Prime Minister has a slim majority, the Prime Minister must now work to instill confidence in his new administration in order to secure broad support.”

In doing so, the government should commit to the slate of institutional reforms that has been laid out by the preceding Prime Minister. This includes the proposed two-term limit of a Prime Minister, immediate implementation of voting age to 18, equal constituency development funds (CDFs) to all members of Parliament, Parliamentary Reforms, an increase of COVID-19 funds to RM65 billion, and opposition representation within Parliamentary Select Committees for joint review and being provided with additional oversight roles.

Concluding, Yeoh said, “The new administration does not have a choice but to hit the ground running. By immediately resolving the public health crisis through accelerated vaccinations, the government’s top priority must also be to restore our economic health. Malaysia has lost valuable time, and robust economic recovery will involve strong political will in introducing measures to improve our regional and international competitiveness, productivity, and innovation. We must adopt a whole-of-society approach in reigniting Malaysia’s economic value through engagement with think tanks, civil society, professional networks and international bodies. Institutional reforms will also contribute to creating investor confidence. IDEAS wishes the Ninth Prime Minister the best as Malaysia navigates these turbulent times.”

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Download Media Statement PDF File Here

For enquiries, please contact:
Zokhri Idris, Ph.D, Director, External Relations
T: +603 2070 8881/8882 | E: zokhri@ideas.org.my