Malaysia is entering a period of heightened global uncertainty.

The escalating conflict involving the US, Israel and Iran is no longer a distant geopolitical issue. Its economic impact is already unfolding through rising oil prices, supply chain disruptions and inflationary pressures.

Malaysia will not be spared.

What is increasingly concerning, however, is not the absence of response, but the absence of coordination.

In recent days, multiple ministries have issued statements addressing different aspects of the situation. While each effort is important, the overall response appears fragmented and uncoordinated. In times of crisis, fragmented responses can lead to policy inconsistencies, slower decision-making, and reduced confidence among businesses and investors.

Around the world, governments are responding differently.

Whether formally labelled as a “task force” or not, many countries are acting through centralised, whole-of-government coordination mechanisms.

Malaysia must do the same.

We therefore call upon the Prime Minister to urgently establish a National Economic Crisis Coordination Mechanism — whether in the form of a formal task force or an equivalent centralised structure.

This mechanism should:
* Bring together key ministries and agencies including MOF, Ministry of Economy, MITI, Ministry of Energy, KPDN and Bank Negara Malaysia
* Serve as a central platform to monitor global developments in real-time
* Align and coordinate policy responses before public announcements are made
* Ensure consistent and clear communication to the rakyat, businesses and investors
* Develop proactive measures to manage rising costs of living, subsidy pressures and potential economic slowdown

This is to ensure Malaysia acts decisively, cohesively and with clarity in the face of external shocks.

In times like this, the issue is not whether we are responsive or not, but whether we respond as one nation, with one coordinated strategy.

The time to act is now.