By Danial Dzulkifly
SHAH ALAM, Dec 31 — Not all decisions by the federal government have been popular or yielded immediate results, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said, but he emphasised his administration’s commitment to implementing policies that benefit Malaysians.
In his New Year’s address, he reaffirmed the government’s dedication to economic reforms rooted in justice and equity, and guided by the Madani Economic Framework.
“This framework serves as a guide for leadership and future generations to establish a compassionate and human-centric economic system, ensuring justice for every Malaysian citizen.
“While not all decisions and policies are immediately popular or deliver swift results, every initiative is carried out with clear political will, sincere intentions, and thorough assessments to ensure they benefit the wider population,” he said.
With the Unity Government entering its third year in Putrajaya, several key economic reforms have been enacted, including subsidy rationalisation and cost-cutting, as Malaysia’s debt and liabilities approached RM1.5 trillion.
Anwar said among these reforms is the implementation of targeted diesel subsidies to address longstanding inefficiencies caused by blanket subsidies that disproportionately benefited the wealthy and foreign nationals.
“By tackling these inefficiencies, we are redirecting resources to those truly in need,” he said, pointing to the removal of subsidies for nearly 200,000 foreign-registered vehicles from this year.
Anwar also highlighted record-breaking increases in direct cash assistance under Rahmah Cash Aid and Rahmah Basic Aid programmes, with an additional RM3 billion allocated for next year, bringing the total allocation to RM13 billion.
Efforts to manage rising costs of living have also been strengthened through initiatives like the Payung Rahmah programme and stricter enforcement to curb unfair price hikes, said Anwar.
“These measures underscore the government’s commitment to protecting consumers and ensuring no one exploits the current economic challenges.”
On the recent flood disasters, Anwar expressed concern over their impact on communities, pledging efficient aid delivery in collaboration with state and local authorities.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to high-risk flood mitigation projects, acknowledging the financial burden but stressing the importance of safeguarding lives and property.
Looking ahead, Anwar highlighted Malaysia’s role as Asean chair in 2025 under the theme “inclusivity and sustainability”.
“This is our opportunity to lead with excellence while strengthening governance at home. Only by combating corruption and fostering national unity can we command respect regionally and globally,” he said.
