Critics pick on Abdullah's economic Achilles heel

Critics pick on Abdullah's economic Achilles heel
ANALYSIS
Malaysian Insider

JULY 7 — The respite is over. Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's political enemies are training their guns on his vulnerable spot — his management of the economy in these days of rising costs.

His critics believe that policy flip-flops and the Prime Minister's limited grasp of macroeconomic issues need to be attacked repeatedly at a time when the headlines in the country is dominated by allegations of sodomy against Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Datuk Seri Najib Razak's alleged involvement with Mongolian model Altantutya Shariibuu.

Anwar in his blog today noted that the public was disgusted with cosmetic changes and plans put forward by Abdullah and Najib. "Their inability to manage the economy was proven when they failed to ensure that oil prices were at a level which did not burden the people.

"At the same time their family members and cronies are raiding the national treasury, '' he said. For the past few weeks, Anwar has directed his vitriol at Najib. But sensing that there is growing dissatisfaction over the rising cost of living and the sense of drift in the country, the Opposition leader today pounced on Abdullah.

Weighing in with his own criticism today was Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad. He argued that Malaysia would become a third-world country if the Abdullah administration focused solely on politics.

The former prime minister has used his blog to exhibit his knowledge of the challenges facing the Malaysian economy and an array of solutions. By doing so, he is reminding the public that what the country needs most at this time is a chief executive with the ability to think outside the box and set clear policies.

Someone in the mould of Mahathir circa 1998. Ten years ago, the then prime minister went against conventional wisdom, refusing to accept the advice of the International Monetary Fund and imposed currency controls. He was criticised for taking the country down that path but later experts said that the move cushioned the impact of the Asian financial meltdown on Malaysia.

Abdullah's supporters know the management of the economy is not his strong suit. They also know that there will be increasing focus on his leadership when the wheels of the economy slow down further in the months ahead.