Anwar has stabilised economy but ordinary Malaysians yet to feel benefits, says Khairy

“PETALING JAYA, May 14 — Umno’s Khairy Jamaluddin says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has stabilised the economy and improved Malaysia’s standing with investors. However, the former health minister said ordinary Malaysians have yet to feel the benefits. Malaysia’s economy grew 5.3 per cent in the first quarter, outpacing Thailand and Singapore, while the ringgit extended its run as Asia’s best-performing currency against the US dollar for the second year in a row. “The man on the street is not feeling the macroeconomic numbers, the GDP growth, the lower unemployment, the stronger ringgit,” Khairy was quoted as saying by Bloomberg. The former Umno Youth chief said younger voters want politicians who understand concerns over living costs, identity, jobs and economic mobility. He reportedly said that he understood these sentiments as he was “within the arena of the people”. “I’ve had three years of many, many conversations with Malaysians, whether through my podcast, through my radio gig,” he said. According to Bloomberg, Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi is banking on Khairy’s return to the party to woo young Malay voters who left following the 1MDB scandal. Khairy was sacked in January 2023 following disciplinary action linked to the 15th general election. He was among more than 6,000 former members who were readmitted to Umno last month. Commenting on his return, Khairy said Zahid was taking him back “as I am”. “But of course, I will be mindful of party decorum and discipline,” he told Bloomberg .

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