Economic strains from West Asia crisis must not fracture national unity, warns Fadillah

DEPUTY Prime Minister II Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof has cautioned that economic pressures triggered by geopolitical instability in West Asia must not be allowed to undermine social cohesion in Malaysia, as rising living costs and market uncertainties increasingly weigh on households across the country.

Positioning national unity as a critical safeguard during a period of global turbulence, Fadillah said Malaysians must resist allowing economic hardship to fuel divisions or social tensions.

He noted that conflicts and geopolitical tensions abroad were no longer isolated to the countries directly involved, with Malaysia also feeling the repercussions through higher energy costs, disruptions to global supply chains and increasing pressure on household finances.

"The rise in the price of goods and the pressure on daily costs have caused anxiety and concern among the community. However, we must ensure that this economic pressure does not erode the bonds of community unity," he said in a Facebook post on Tuesday.

The remarks came after Fadillah chaired the first 2026 meeting of the National Unity Advisory Council (MPPN), where discussions focused on preserving social harmony amid mounting economic and geopolitical challenges.

He emphasised that the council had a crucial responsibility in shaping public understanding and countering misinformation, particularly at a time when economic concerns could leave communities vulnerable to divisive narratives circulating on social media.

Fadillah said the MPPN must help communicate accurate information to the public, correct misconceptions and contribute to maintaining stability during periods of uncertainty.

"The rise in the price of goods and the pressure on daily costs have caused anxiety and concern among the community. However, we must ensure that this economic pressure does not erode the bonds of community unity," he said.

He added that the council also had a role in bringing the right narrative to the people to correct wrong perceptions, calm the situation and encourage the community not to be easily influenced by social media provocations due to economic pressures.

Calling for a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach, Fadillah urged all members of the advisory council to continue working closely with the Ministry of National Unity to safeguard harmony and strengthen the nation's integration agenda.

At the conclusion of the meeting, he revealed that the recommendations and outcomes from the council's deliberations would be submitted to the Cabinet in the near future for consideration and approval, signalling that national unity issues will remain a key component of the government's response to both domestic and international challenges. - June 10, 2026