Anwar Ibrahim’s 2 years in power: Malaysia’s economy booms but reform promises sputter

For Danial Darwis it is the most tangible form of help that he has received from the government since Anwar took office in 2022.

“Even if my salary has gone up a little, it is not keeping up with the rising cost of living,” said Danial, 25, who rode his motorcycle 60km from his rural hometown of Hulu Selangor to collect the freebie.

On Saturday, Anwar marks two years as prime minister, applauded for restoring political stability and overseeing a foreign investment-driven economic resurgence.

But the gains are uneven, with many Malaysians beset by inflation and flatlining wages.

Political trouble may lie ahead for Anwar, experts warn, as he tacks to the conservative right and bleeds support from his reformist base.