Stop Dreaming Zaid Dismisses Idea Of Malaysia Becoming Asian Tiger

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Former law minister Zaid Ibrahim has poured cold water on talk of Malaysia becoming an “Asian Tiger” economy, warning that systemic flaws in leadership, governance, and policy will continue to hold the country back.
Responding to remarks by Bersatu MP Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal, who claimed Malaysia could still achieve “Asian Tiger” status if led by a visionary prime minister, Zaid dismissed the idea as unrealistic.
“No, we can’t be like China, Korea or Singapore. Stop dreaming,” Zaid (above) wrote in a sharply worded social media post.
He acknowledged that he once believed Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim could be the visionary Malaysia needed. However, he was disappointed at Anwar’s apparent reluctance to reform entrenched policies.
“I thought we had a visionary in Anwar, but even he is unwilling to dismantle current policies,” Zaid said, adding that Malaysia remains trapped in outdated economic and education systems, burdened by corruption and rent-seeking elites who continue to be protected.
“Our politicians and civil service are not the best, and our education and economic policies are archaic,” Zaid added.
He also criticised the preferences given to select groups that are not to be questioned.
“We are a feudal oligarchy cemented by a religious bureaucracy that the Renaissance man himself dared not recalibrate and reform,” he wrote, referring to Anwar’s reformist image.
‘Just a better version of Pakistan’
In a stark conclusion, Zaid wrote, “Stop comparing us with the real tigers. We are just a better version of Pakistan. That’s the best we can hope for.”
His remarks came amid renewed government vowed to revive Malaysia’s economic competitiveness and long-term vision, including proposals to reform subsidies, taxation, and attract foreign investment.
In an exclusive interview with Free Malaysia Today, Wan Fayhsal said the country must recalibrate its policies and shift its value systems to achieve this vision.
The Bersatu supreme council member also said the nation’s leaders would need to be committed to a reform agenda that prioritises long-term progress over political expediency. - Mkini

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