Dato' Sri Mustapa Mohamed, affectionately known as Tok Pa, is a distinguished Malaysian politician and economist with a career spanning nearly five decades. Born on September 25, 1950, in Bachok, Kelantan, he has been a prominent figure in Malaysia's political and economic landscape.
Education and Early Career
Mustapa pursued his higher education at the University of Melbourne, Australia, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Economics. He furthered his studies with a Master's degree in Development Economics from Boston University, USA. His academic background laid a strong foundation for his subsequent roles in public service.
Political Career
Mustapa's political journey began in 1987 when he was appointed as the Political Secretary to the Minister of Finance. He was later elected as a Member of Parliament for Jeli, Kelantan, serving multiple terms from 1995 to 1999 and from 2004 to 2022. Throughout his career, he held several key ministerial positions, including:
- Minister of Entrepreneur Development (1995–1999)
- Minister of Higher Education (2006–2008)
- Minister of Agriculture and Agro-based Industry (2008–2009)
- Minister of International Trade and Industry (2009–2018)
- Minister in the Prime Minister's Department for Economic Affairs (2020–2022)
His tenure in these roles was marked by significant contributions to Malaysia's economic policies, educational reforms, and international trade relations.
Post-Political Engagements
After retiring from active politics in September 2023, Mustapa has continued to contribute to national development. He serves as an Advisor to the Society for the Promotion of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and is a Distinguished Fellow at the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network at Sunway University. His focus remains on advancing sustainable development and addressing poverty through education and economic empowerment.
Legacy
Affectionately known as Tok Pa, Mustapa Mohamed is celebrated for his dedication to public service, particularly in uplifting rural communities and promoting sustainable economic growth. His leadership and commitment have left a lasting impact on Malaysia's development trajectory.
He pointed out that the era of silencing unfavorable news with a phone call to an editor is long over.
Speaking through a statement read by TC Tan, vice-president of the United Nations Association Malaysia, at the launch of Chase Advisors, Tok Pa highlighted how social media reshapes public transparency and scrutiny.
A New Era of Accountability
“Social media has brought a new level of transparency, enabling responsible citizens to voice concerns and hold leaders accountable in a democracy,” he remarked. Tok Pa welcomed this shift, viewing it as a positive development for fostering better governance and leadership.
Chase Advisors: Bridging the Public-Private Gap
The event marked the introduction of Chase Advisors, a public affairs and policy consulting firm launched by global communications consultancy WE Communications as part of its expansion into Malaysia.
Tok Pa stressed the need for business-friendly policies that align with Malaysia’s dynamic economic landscape. He expressed optimism that Chase Advisors and WE Communications could help bridge gaps between the private sector and public needs, driving mutual understanding and progress.
A Regional Opportunity
Kass Sells, international CEO of WE Communications, highlighted Malaysia’s strategic role in the region and globally. With Southeast Asia’s burgeoning middle class, a strong digital ecosystem, and Malaysia’s close ties with the US, he described the timing as ideal for WE to deepen its presence in the region.
“Malaysia is a key player in the regional and global market, making it a pivotal point for growth,” Kass said, underlining the potential for partnerships and regional expansion.
Driving Engagement Through Transparency
Tok Pa’s emphasis on using social media for accountability resonates with a growing global trend. As digital platforms empower citizens and businesses alike, the collaboration between Chase Advisors and WE Communications seeks to foster open communication, innovation, and sustainable growth for Malaysia in the modern era.
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