Shallow, reckless to give Madani govt 'Grade D' - Anwar's aide

An aide to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim derided Bersih for giving the government a “D grade” in its mid-term evaluation.

Muhammad Kamil Abdul Munim (above) called it shallow and reckless, saying the evaluation was not based on facts and the country’s situation.

“I read Bersih’s report related to reforms and changes. After scrutiny, there are some statements which are not reflective of facts and current scenarios.

“Reforms and changes in political, economic, and administrative dynamics are still running. It must also be measured through overall economic indicators and investors’ confidence.

“So, any evaluation that skips these indicators can be considered as shallow and reckless,” he told Malaysiakini.

Yesterday marked two years since the 15th general election on Nov 19, 2022. Anwar was sworn in as prime minister five days later on Nov 24.

In a presentation of what was dubbed the government’s report card last night, Bersih chairperson Faisal Aziz said their assessment found there were significant gaps between the government’s reform promises and actual implementation.

The assessment, which included manifesto fulfilment and a comparison with previous administrations, returned with the Madani government scoring 45.8 percent, he said.

The report also indicated that former prime ministers Dr Mahathir Mohamad, in his second tenure, and Ismail Sabri Yaakob had implemented more reforms than Anwar in his first two years in power.

Meanwhile, Kamil defended several of the government’s unpopular moves such as subsidy rationalisation for diesel, adding it was needed to strengthen the nation’s fiscal position.

“We have seen how aid to the people has been increased, in addition to the formulation of the Fiscal Responsibility Act 2023, which requires the government to be prudent - and that is a much-needed reform.

“What I want to stress here is we must learn from the past and institute changes wisely and based on priority, considering context and present challenges,” he added.

Shahidan: Govt risks 'E grade' if people had say in midterm evaluation

'D grade for Madani': Bersih ranks Dr M above 'reformist' Anwar

COMMENT | Open your eyes and look, Harapan, or lose

'Start your reforms now': PM's message to chief secretary after appointment