Grim Outlook For Economic Growth Or Reforms Under Weak Anwar Says Uk Based Report

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It is another negative appraisal of the prime minister as he marks his first year in Putrajaya.
(MalaysiaNow) – An economist has painted a grim outlook for Malaysia’s economic growth under the leadership of Anwar Ibrahim, saying the prime minister’s need for political survival through his alliance with a scandal-ridden Umno has led to “very limited progress” in his promises of reforms.
Gareth Leather, a senior analyst with London-based economic and financial consultancy Capital Economics, also forecast a slowdown for Malaysia’s growth, and “slim” prospects of reform during Anwar’s current term.
“The lack of progress on reform will hold back the country’s long-term prospects, and along with a deteriorating demographic outlook – the growth rate of the country’s working age population is set to slow sharply over the coming decade – is a key reason why we think trend economic growth in Malaysia will slow from around 4.5% at the moment to 3.5% by 2030,” he said in a country update on Malaysia released on the eve of Anwar’s first anniversary in the top office.
The forecast also came amid plummeting approval ratings for the government, according to a new opinion poll released yesterday.
Pollster Merdeka Center said only half of the respondents approved of Anwar’s leadership, down from 68% when he was appointed to lead the coalition government formed in the wake of the hung parliament after the general election last year.
Much of the low opinion of the country’s leadership stemmed from its handling of the economy, with overall dissatisfaction with the federal government at 48%, and some 60% saying the country was “heading in the wrong direction”.
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