Rankings speak louder than false narratives, PKR MP shells opposition

Summary

• The opposition should stop peddling false narratives about the government’s economic policies, a PKR lawmaker says.

• Segamat MP R Yuneswaran points out that the improved competitiveness ranking shows that the Madani government’s policies are working.

• He adds that the opposition should instead work with the government for national economic development.

PKR lawmaker R Yuneswaran has urged the opposition to stop peddling “false narratives” about the goods and services tax (GST), sales and service tax (SST), and subsidy rationalisation efforts.

To underscore that the Madani government is on the right track, the Segamat MP pointed to the International Institute for Management Development World Competitiveness Ranking 2025, which saw Malaysia rise 11 spots with a record high of RM378.5 billion in foreign direct investments.

“Obviously, the world wants to do business with Malaysia,” he emphasised in a statement.

Yuneswaran urged the opposition to quit lobbing potshots at the Madani government and start contributing to nation-building instead.

“Rather than helping to rebuild an economy that was laden with corruption-riddled debt and poor management under earlier eras, they are firing empty bullets at Madani’s progress,” he added.

Not a paper improvement

Yuneswaran said the increased global competitiveness is not just an achievement on paper but has a tangible impact on people’s lives.

“A more stable economy means better job opportunities and controlled inflation.

“Simpler and more efficient procedures encourage the growth of new businesses and drive local innovation.

“Extensive international market coverage opens the door to a variety of export opportunities for local entrepreneurs and boosts the tourism industry,” he noted.

Yuneswaran also quoted Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz as saying that the improved ranking was clear evidence that bureaucracy and competitiveness are closely linked to investment and industrial development.

He further cited Zafrul’s view that the whole-of-government approach under the Madani administration has delivered meaningful structural reforms, paving the way for Malaysia to break into the ranks of the world’s top 12 most competitive economies by 2033.

“Given the challenges posed by the US tariff move, the time is right for Malaysia, in tandem with its Asean neighbours, to step forward.

“It is not the time to be held back by partisan bickering and false narratives,” Yuneswaran said.

Earlier, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the Madani government’s reform initiatives are proving successful as reflected in the World Competitiveness Ranking 2025.

He said the significant improvement showed Malaysia’s ability to make great strides through strong political will, efficient government machinery and close collaboration with the private sector.

“Encouraging performance in trade, administrative efficiency, and the investment environment is a strong foundation for inclusive and sustainable economic progress,” he added in a post on Facebook.

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