KUALA LUMPUR – Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has said that while not all government decisions and policies are popular or yield quick results, they are implemented with clear political resolve.
In his New Year’s 2025 address, the prime minister emphasised that these decisions are made with sincere intent and careful consideration to ensure that the policies ultimately benefit the people.
Looking ahead to 2025, Malaysia will take on the responsibility of becoming Asean chair. Therefore, the principle of striving for excellence must be upheld, ensuring that the country is well-organised, governance is strengthened, and leakages and corruption are eradicated to compete effectively in the regional and international markets.
He also highlighted the Madani Economy framework, launched July 27, 2023, as a clear roadmap to reshape Malaysia as a leading economic force in Asia. To this end, the government is spearheading efforts to initiate new shifts starting this year.
“For instance, the targeting of diesel subsidies and, before that, the adjustment of electricity tariffs by the Madani government have addressed long-standing leakages caused by universal subsidies, which were benefiting the wealthiest individuals – those I deem as the ultra-rich – and 3.5 million foreigners who did not qualify for subsidies.
“Alhamdulillah, allocations for Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) this year have been increased by RM10 billion, the largest amount in history.
“Insha-Allah, next year, the government plans to raise the allocation for STR and Sara by an additional RM3 billion, or 30%, to a total of RM13 billion,” he said.
The prime minister also said the government is actively addressing the phenomenon of rising costs through the Payung Rahmah Programme nationwide. Monitoring teams have been deployed to observe, monitor, and take action against unscrupulous price gouging.
At the same time, Anwar noted that the current economic conditions must be handled prudently, especially given the unexpected and severe challenges, such as the recent flood disasters.
The government, he assured, is committed to ensuring that aid reaches affected areas promptly and that recovery efforts are carried out swiftly by all central and federal agencies in collaboration with state and local governments.
“Preparedness operations have been sustainably planned from the outset to mitigate the adverse impact of such disasters. Insha-Allah, we will be able to protect more lives and reduce damage to property,” he said.
Regarding the country’s development expenditure, he noted that in addition to focusing on basic infrastructure such as roads, highways, and utilities, flood mitigation projects in high-risk areas will continue despite their significant financial implications.
Malaysia, he said, will begin its Asean chairmanship in 2025, a significant responsibility for the country, especially given the complexities of the current global landscape, which demands Asean to carve out a new role and direction.
“This is undoubtedly a monumental task for Malaysia as it leads Asean this year, under the theme ‘Inclusivity and Sustainability’, rallying all strengths and teams into a unified force and ensuring that development remains sustainable while addressing gaps and tackling issues faced by marginalised or impoverished groups.
“This is a great honour for the country and an opportunity to forge a new chapter in regional and global agendas that remain challenging, particularly with core issues such as massacres, tyranny, oppression, and colonialism in Gaza and other troubled areas,” he said. – December 31, 2024