Malaysia’s Standing in the 2025 World Happiness Report: A Call for Improvement
Malaysia ranked 64th in the 2025 World Happiness Report, lagging behind several ASEAN nations. Key factors influencing happiness included GDP per capita, social support, and freedom. While Malaysia achieved some economic gains, it faces challenges related to social cohesion and trust, affecting overall well-being.
According to the 2025 World Happiness Report, Malaysia has been ranked 64th, signifying a status of moderate happiness relative to its Southeast Asian counterparts. Among ASEAN nations, Malaysia is situated in the middle, trailing behind Singapore (34th), Vietnam (46th), Thailand (49th), and the Philippines (57th), while outpacing Indonesia, which ranked 83rd.
The report highlighted critical factors affecting happiness, including GDP per capita, social support, and individual freedoms. These elements are believed to play a significant role in shaping a country’s overall disposition towards happiness. Finland continues to dominate as the happiest country globally, followed closely by Denmark, Iceland, Sweden, and the Netherlands.
Malaysia’s decline in ranking over the years indicates underlying challenges related to economic confidence and social well-being. Furthermore, the report notes that the benevolence within a nation significantly influences its political landscape, where unhappiness can breed populism. It elaborated that trust levels in society affect political affiliations, with trusting individuals leaning left and distrustful ones tending towards the right.
Additionally, factors like generosity and the expectation of fairness are noted to be lower in Malaysia compared to the leading nations. Despite improvements in income and life expectancy, the nation still faces hurdles in fostering social cohesion and restoring institutional trust.
In summary, Malaysia’s 64th position in the World Happiness Report reveals it is behind several ASEAN nations, implicating a need for enhanced economic confidence and social infrastructure. While improvements are noted in income and longevity, social cohesion remains a critical area for enhancement. The relationship between happiness, political dynamics, and public trust underscores the complexities in fostering a more positive national climate.
Original Source: www.malaymail.com
