Malaysia has dropped drastically in the World Happiness Report 2019 to 80th happiest country in the world from 35th where it was last year. The rankings, based on a survey set Thailand and Philippines overtake Malaysia in rankings.
Malaysia was ranked the second highest in South East Asia in 2018 after Singapore. Federal Territories Minister Khalid Abdul Samad said among countries in the Southeast Asian region, Malaysia was second after Singapore.
“This report will indirectly encourage more foreign investors to Malaysia, as well as to inspire the communities to become more tolerant and live in harmony,” he said after officiating the ministry’s monthly assembly and 2019 World Day of Peace celebration in the federal capital today. Khalid being oblivious to the fact that Malaysia has taken a sharp dive in rankings.
While many Malaysians has embraced the change in government from Barisan Nasional to Pakatan Harapan, many are now disillusioned with their “New Malaysia” (a term coined by the Chinese dominant party in Pakatan Harapan, DAP)
Rising cost of living, low wages, unemployment and lack of investor confidence has been plaguing the country since the last general election. The country also went into deflation first time in a decade after experiencing enormous growth under the previous prime minister, Najib Razak.
Prime Minister Mahathir Mohammed who toppled his opponent last general election has been slow in implementing promised reforms and reneged on election pledges alleging Najib Razak “stole” money. Mahathir has also turned back to his obsession with the national car project as he is determined to start another.
Pakatan Harapan government has been slow at handling economic affairs causing massive investor panic that hasn’t slowed down since last general election. The government’s borrowing and selling national assets worries many as many of these investments contribute greatly into the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
The World Happiness Report looks at six aspects: gross domestic product (GDP) per-capita, healthy life expectancy, having someone to count on, perceived freedom to make life choices, freedom from corruption and generosity.
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