By Prof. Emeritus Datuk Dr. Raduan Che Rose
As an academic, I am concerned when election campaigns become contests in discrediting opponents, while state development and the people’s well-being receive far less serious attention.
Voters are repeatedly told who is worse. But who has a credible plan to raise incomes, create jobs and resolve the everyday problems confronting ordinary families?
Proving that an opponent is worse does not establish one’s own fitness to govern.
The Prime Minister must set a higher standard of political debate. Repeatedly accusing others of sakau” plundering public funds, does not establish the integrity of those making the accusation. Where evidence exists, pursue investigation, prosecution and adjudication. Campaign platforms cannot assume the function of courts.
A Prime Minister carries the responsibility of explaining the country’s direction. The public deserves solutions proportionate to the scale of its challenges.
Consider the government’s own financial figures.
Under Budget 2027, federal revenue is projected at RM380.8 billion, while operating expenditure alone amounts to RM376.8 billion. Based on these figures, approximately 99 sen of every RM1 in revenue is required for operating expenditure. That leaves roughly RM4 billion before accounting for RM83 billion in development expenditure. This is the narrow fiscal space that political leaders must explain to the public. (mof.gov.my)
More concerning, debt service charges for 2027 are projected at RM61 billion. Against projected revenue of RM380.8 billion, approximately 16 sen of every revenue ringgit goes towards servicing debt. That averages about RM167 million a day. These are debt service costs; they do not represent a RM61 billion reduction in the principal owed. (bernama.com, mof.gov.my)
Federal Government debt rose from RM741 billion at the end of 2018 to approximately RM1.379 trillion at the end of June 2026: an increase of roughly RM638 billion, or 86 per cent. This increase spans several administrations and demands shared accountability and a plan that can withstand public scrutiny. (parlimen.gov.my, berita.rtm.gov.my)
The government is targeting a smaller deficit. However, a narrowing deficit still means expenditure exceeds revenue; it does not mean the total debt is falling. The targeted deficit of 3.3 per cent of GDP in 2027 must be supported by spending discipline and sustainable revenue growth. (mof.gov.my)
These are the issues that should dominate campaign platforms: strengthening revenue without continually burdening households, attracting investment that creates well-paid jobs, and ensuring that every ringgit spent delivers value.
At the state level, present measurable commitments. How much will water disruptions decline? How many affordable homes will be completed? How many jobs will be created, and at what wages? State the costs, funding sources and completion dates.
Do more than tell voters who allegedly plundered public money. Explain how public funds will be managed, revenue strengthened and people’s lives improved.
A country does not become more prosperous because an opponent has been humiliated.
Leadership must be judged by its ability to solve problems, not by the volume or frequency of its accusations.
