The 2025 World Happiness Report ranks Malaysia 64th among nations, reflecting a decline compared to previous years. It ranks lower than regional leaders such as Singapore and Vietnam, indicating challenges in social cohesion and institutional trust. Finland tops the report, while the findings suggest that benevolence and trust significantly impact political sentiment and societal happiness.
In the 2025 World Happiness Report, Malaysia secured the 64th position, placing it in a middling rank among Southeast Asian countries. The nation trails behind several regional counterparts, including Singapore at 34th, Vietnam at 46th, Thailand at 49th, and the Philippines at 57th, while it manages to outperform Indonesia, which ranks 83rd.
Key factors contributing to happiness rankings included GDP per capita, social support, and freedom. These elements are crucial for a country’s overall progress. Finland maintained its top spot globally, closely followed by Denmark, Iceland, Sweden, and the Netherlands.
Malaysia has experienced a decline in its happiness rankings over the years, indicating ongoing challenges in economic confidence and social well-being. The report emphasizes that benevolence within a country significantly affects its political landscape, linking populism to overall unhappiness. Trust levels also influence political tendencies, with trusted societies leaning left and those with lower trust inclined to right-wing views.
Generosity and the perception of fairness were highlighted as weaker indicators in Malaysia compared to the top-ranking countries. Despite improvements in income and life expectancy, issues like social cohesion and institutional trust remain critical areas requiring attention for Malaysia’s development.
Malaysia’s ranking at 64th in the World Happiness Report signifies a pressing need for improvements in social cohesion and institutional trust, despite progress in income and life expectancy. The interplay of benevolence and trust is essential, affecting political dynamics and overall happiness. Addressing these challenges could enhance Malaysia’s standing among its regional peers and promote a more contented society.
Original Source: www.malaymail.com
