KOTA KINABALU: Sabah social activist Datuk James Ligunjang has urged Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to “showcase” his leadership skills in managing the Malaysian economy.
He said that by prioritising efforts to address social and economic issues faced by the poorer segments of society and the unemployed, Anwar can potentially gain more political standing and support among ordinary Malaysians.
“Instead of engaging in a competition with the country’s Malay parties in championing Islamic causes, focusing on issues affecting the less privileged can differentiate him from his rivals and attract a wider base of supporters,” he said in his latest social media posting.
According to the former Petagas assemblyman, the key challenges in Malaysia are wealth inequality, with a significant portion of the population struggling with poverty and limited job opportunities.
“By advocating for policies and initiatives aimed at reducing poverty, improving access to education, and creating more employment opportunities,” he said.
He said that through this approach, Anwar can connect with the concerns of ordinary Malaysians, including the Malays.
“Addressing the issues faced by the unemployed, especially among the younger generation, is crucial for the country’s future.
“Unemployment rates, particularly among fresh graduates, have been a pressing concern in Malaysia,” he added.
By promoting policies that foster job creation and skills development, Anwar can showcase his commitment to addressing important societal challenges and gain the trust and support of Malaysians who are directly impacted by these issues, he said.
Ligunjang said that by focusing on these social and economic problems, Anwar can demonstrate his ability to provide practical solutions that impact the lives of ordinary Malaysians.
“This approach can set him apart from the Malay parties that primarily focus on religious ideology and rhetoric but may have a limited impact on improving the everyday lives of the people.
“I am mindful that Islam plays a significant role in the lives of many Malaysians, including the Malays,” he said.
He said Anwar should not disregard Islamic values but rather platform them in a way that complements his efforts to tackle social and economic issues faced by Malaysians.
“This way, he can appeal to both the religious and material concerns of the Malay community, ultimately increasing his political prestige among a broader base of Malaysians,” he added.
