The Kuala Lumpur skyline stands as a symbol of Malaysia’s economic ambition. As Nordin Abdullah highlights, future-proofing the MADANI Economy requires raising both the ceiling and the floor — strengthening competitiveness while ensuring equitable, inclusive growth in an age of constant change.
By TENGKU NOOR SHAMSIAH TENGKU ABDULLAH
In an exclusive interview with TNS News, Malaysia Global Business Forum Founding Chairman Nordin Abdullah calls for sharper execution of the MADANI framework, stressing competitiveness, strategic adaptation, and the need to “raise both the ceiling and the floor” in Malaysia’s economic landscape.
KUALA LUMPUR, June 4 — In a world grappling with rising protectionism and economic uncertainty, Malaysia’s MADANI Economic Agenda offers a vision of equitable and sustainable growth. But according to Nordin Abdullah, Founding Chairman of the Malaysia Global Business Forum (MGBF) and Managing Director of Glenreagh Sdn Bhd, resilience demands more than policy declarations — it requires agility, collective responsibility, and a fierce focus on execution.
MGBF Founding Chairman Nordin Abdullah
“We live in the ‘Age of Crisis’,” Nordin tells TNS News. “This means we have to prepare for and embrace rapid change, protect our interests in the face of that change, and be strong enough to take advantage of opportunities that emerge from that change.”
The Global Stage is Competitive — And Unforgiving
Asked how Malaysia should respond to global headwinds like the new U.S. tariffs and shifting trade dynamics, Nordin was blunt: “Our domestic policies are actually competing on the global stage. The sooner we realise that, the sooner we’ll understand the gravity of the situation.”
For Nordin, the MADANI framework’s call for an “all-of-nation” approach is both timely and essential. “It’s not the government’s responsibility alone to solve these problems,” he said. “The elements within the framework align with global best practices and destination market demands. We need to continue improving our capacity — not just in policy terms, but in delivery and global competitiveness.”
Equity Is Not Just About Redistribution — It’s About Growth
On whether the MADANI framework has made a tangible dent in income inequality and social safety nets, Nordin offered a holistic view. “The proof of any reforms is seen at both ends of the spectrum — the reduction of hard-core poverty, yes, but also the capacity of those doing well to grow further. They’re the ones doing the heavy economic lifting.”
He emphasized the role of the middle class, calling it the “engine of growth in a knowledge-based economy.”
“You need to raise the ceiling and raise the floor at the same time. Robin Hood economics — taking more from the rich to give to the poor — has its place, but ultimately, growing the pie is what leads to sustainable, equitable progress.”
Stress Testing Our Future
When asked whether the MADANI Economic Agenda requires recalibration, Nordin cautioned against reactionary policy shifts but called for more detailed implementation.
“The framework is a statement of collective intent. It gives permission to succeed in key focus areas. The broad strokes are there. Now we need to put in the detailed work across every part of the economy.”
But he also warned: “Have we stress-tested our ideas based on different scenarios? What other crisis points lie over the horizon?”
Nordin — who also established the Crisis Management Centre to help stakeholders navigate unpredictable risks — believes the next phase of Malaysia’s economic journey will be shaped less by certainty and more by the courage to ask the right questions.
“We must let go of the illusion that we already know all the answers for a future that is guaranteed to be defined by constant and rapid change.”
About Nordin Abdullah – Nordin is the EXCO member of the Public Relations Practitioners Society of Malaysia and a former Vice President of the Malaysian International Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Known for his creative approach to strategy and sustainable development, he founded the Crisis Management Centre to help governments, corporations, and individuals deal with complex challenges in real-time. Under his leadership, Glenreagh Sdn Bhd continues to drive thought leadership through key initiatives including the Malaysia Global Business Forum, Tomorrow’s Leaders Summit, and the Kedah International Photography Awards.
- TNS News