The 149th meeting of Menteris Besar and Chief Ministers took place on June 23 at the Malaysian Parliament building in Kuala Lumpur. The session was chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and focused on strategies to strengthen and revive Malaysia's economy amid global uncertainty caused by ongoing conflicts in West Asia and the Middle East [1, 2, 3].
Participants scrutinized Malaysia’s readiness for the approaching El Niño phenomenon. Concerns were raised about potential impacts on water supply, agriculture, food security, and increased risks of extreme heat and haze, which could further strain the country’s economic stability [1, 2, 3].
Anwar Ibrahim emphasized the importance of implementing policies and initiatives in a way that is more integrated, efficient, and people-centric. He said, "Emphasis was also placed on ensuring that every policy and initiative is implemented in a more integrated, efficient and people-centric manner, while strengthening economic competitiveness, attracting quality investments and safeguarding the well-being of all Malaysians" [1, 2].
The meeting highlighted government efforts to address economic challenges and uncertainties stemming from global conflicts impacting markets and investment. It stressed the need to bolster economic competitiveness to attract quality investments and protect the welfare of Malaysians [1, 2, 3].
The spirit of unity and consensus among federal and state leaders was also underlined as vital for ensuring that the benefits of development reach all Malaysians comprehensively [1, 2, 3].
The meeting concluded with an emphasis on coordinating federal and state government roles to ensure inclusive and sustainable growth as Malaysia navigates ongoing external and environmental challenges [1, 2, 3].
