I feel sad that, despite the world praising Malaysia—especially after witnessing how US President Donald Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim were able to strike a win-win deal during the recent ASEAN Summit—the Opposition continues to spin all sorts of stories to downplay the Madani government’s efforts to strengthen the country’s international standing.
Azmin Ali, for example, tried to throw a spanner into Malaysia–China trade relations, seemingly unaware that China fully understands Malaysia’s position. Situated at the crossroads between East and West, Malaysia has always remained a non-aligned nation, seeking to be a peacemaker between two elephants caught in conflict.
That this came from Azmin himself clearly explains why he was a non-performer during his tenure as Economy Minister.
Yet, there are others who cast all sorts of doubts without checking the facts. Whether they are paid for their work or simply bitter gourds, I do not know. But to me, it is obvious that the piece written by one Damian Fernandez, for example, was crafted with the mischief of stirring up unhappiness among the Malays—something that may not even have crossed the minds of negotiators from both Malaysia and the US.
Their focus was solely on ensuring both sides could leverage what was laid on the negotiation table. It would have taken months just to arrive at this sweet deal between the two countries. It was built on sheer diplomacy and a clear understanding of what each party wanted, in order to achieve mutual economic benefit rather than conflict.
The Trump administration’s negotiations were simple, straightforward, and notably unassuming. It was hardly a matter of deep concern for them to engage with Malaysia’s economic policy. After all, the United States gains nothing by meddling in—let alone dismantling—the domestic policies of other nations.
For Trump, it was pure transactionalism: you buy from us, and we give you what you want in return.
In this video, Anwar succinctly explains what most people—including Perikatan Nasional lawmakers— barely grasp, yet still find the audacity to criticise.
And for Malaysia 🇲🇾, I am glad that Anwar and his government have made every effort to counter fake news while strengthening their credibility as a more capable administration—though some apparent shortfalls remain, particularly in local government and education reforms, both of which are close to my heart. I intend to focus on the state of our education more deeply when time permits.
What I hope to see in Malaysia is a new generation of leaders in the succession plan who carry the same passion to drive the nation’s rebuilding efforts forward.
And to my fellow Malaysians, please exercise discernment in what you choose to disseminate. Apply critical thinking to evaluate what you read, rather than reacting in panic to the toxicity being fed into the minds of unsuspecting readers.
Do not worsen the state of the nation by unwittingly helping these individuals advance their own agenda.
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