KUCHING: Political analysts have warned that the Unity Government’s cost-of-living measures have yet to deliver meaningful relief at the household level, pointing to a growing disconnect between macroeconomic stabilisation and the daily realities faced by ordinary Malaysians.
University of Tasmania Professor Dr James Chin said existing cost-of-living measures had largely failed, arguing that without deeper structural reforms, short-term interventions would continue to fall short.
He said meaningful relief would require fundamental changes to the economic structure, including tackling corruption and crony capitalism, reforming the tax system through the reintroduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), and reassessing Bumiputera-related policies.
“The MADANI Government appears unwilling to pursue these reforms, as they are politically too difficult,” he said when contacted.
Similarly, political analyst Lee Kuok Tiung questioned whether claims of economic stabilisation had translated into any real easing of cost-of-living pressures.
He said public dissatisfaction continued to grow, noting that complaints over rising prices and everyday expenses remained widespread despite assurances of economic recovery.
“In terms of cost of living, I do not see any improvement. Instead, more people are complaining about increasing pressure,” Lee said.
He added that the country’s tax system had drawn significant criticism, describing it as unfriendly and contributing to public frustration.
Lee said the situation reflected a broader disconnect between macro-level policy achievements and micro-level household realities, where fiscal and monetary stabilisation had not translated into lower prices for essential goods and services.
“Measures may be effective in restoring fiscal and monetary stability, but they remain insufficient in addressing prices that directly affect ordinary households,” he said.
Lee warned that continued cost-of-living pressures, without tangible household relief, could undermine public trust in economic leadership.
“Any effort that does not result in visible improvements at the household level risks being interpreted as a lack of progress,” he said, adding that persistent pressures could have negative implications for public confidence as the country moves closer to the next general election.
