Kuala Lampur, June 30 -- For decades, Malaysia had a quiet giant in the background of its economic success.

It wasn't a glamorous ministry or a high-profile politician. It was the Economic Planning Unit (EPU) nestled directly under the Prime Minister's Department. It was powerful, effective, and feared. And for a brief, ill-fated period, we broke it.

We made the EPU a ministry. It was a classic case of "if it ain't broke, break it." By elevating the EPU to a full-fledged ministry, we turned a central command post into just another silo. If Malaysia wants to regain its footing as a disciplined, forward-looking economy, we must reverse this error immediately. The EPU must go back under the Prime Minister.

Let's be honest about how things...