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Malaysian Minister’s 2022 Remarks Resurface Amid ringgit Gains, Spark Debate Over Economic Future
A recent surge in teh value of the Malaysian ringgit has reignited discussion surrounding a controversial statement made by a Malaysian minister in 2022, where he suggested a stronger economy could reverse the flow of labor, leading Singaporeans to seek employment in Malaysia. The remarks, initially delivered during a fundraising event, highlight the complex economic relationship between the two neighboring nations and the aspirations for a more prosperous Malaysia.
Ringgit’s Rise and Renewed Optimism
On January 26,The Straits Times reported that the ringgit reached RM3.9678 per US dollar, its strongest position as May 2018. This positive trend prompted Minister of Housing and Local Government,Nga Kor Ming,to repost a video from October 2022,originally shared on his Facebook page on January 28,where he envisioned a future where Malaysians wouldn’t need to commute to Singapore for work.
The video itself features imagery of the Causeway – a key transit point between Malaysia and Singapore – depicting the daily struggles of commuters, including heavy traffic and long queues. Screenshots included in the clip showcase the exchange rates between the ringgit and both the Singapore dollar (RM3.11) and the US dollar (RM3.92).
A Call for Economic Reversal
Nga Kor Ming,then the national vice-chairman of the Democratic Action Party (DAP),made the original statement during a fundraising dinner ahead of Malaysia’s 15th General Election. He expressed concern for Malaysians who endure a grueling early morning commute to work in Singapore, often requiring them to leave as early as 5 a.m.
“Do you think the lives of johor residents are not hard enough? Do your fellow brothers and sisters want to lead this kind of life?” he asked, according to reports from Malaysiakini. He then passionately declared, “Ask Singaporeans to come to Malaysia to be foreign workers, not malaysians going to Singapore to work!”
The DAP is a key component of the Pakatan Harapan coalition, currently led by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. Following the November 2022 elections, Nga Kor Ming was appointed to his current ministerial position.
Public Reaction: Hope and Criticism
The reposted video sparked a wave of reactions from Malaysian netizens. Many expressed hope that the strengthening ringgit would signal a broader economic upturn. One user, writing in Chinese, noted the sacrifices made by those working in Singapore, stating, “Only those who weathered the morning breeze at 5am know this life is not easy. Every Singapore dollar earned, after expenses are deducted, translates into responsibility for one’s family.” Another user expressed a desire for the ringgit’s positive performance to be sustained, viewing it as “a sign of the nation’s growing strength.”
However, not all responses where positive. Some criticized Nga Kor Ming for what they perceived as an antagonistic stance towards Singapore, arguing that he should focus on improving conditions within Malaysia. “Why is Singapore always targeted?” one commenter questioned, also writing in Chinese. “If he dared, he should call for Malaysia’s progress.Won’t Malaysians naturally stay at home when the country improves?”
