Kuala lumpur: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has expressed his gratitude to all Malaysians for their continued support and patience as the government works to rebuild the country's finances and deliver on reform promises.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, in the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) Daily Briefing today, senior press secretary Tunku Nashrul Abaidah reiterated the Prime Minister's apology, delivered yesterday, for the delay in fulfilling some of his earlier promises made before taking office. Since taking leadership at the end of 2022, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has been dedicated to improving the nation's financial standing for the wellbeing of the people.
Tunku Nashrul stated that as the country's finances gradually recover, the government can offer targeted assistance to ease the people's burden amid global economic uncertainty. He also referenced investigative journalists Bradley Hope and Tom Wright, who revealed that Malaysia had lost USD18 billion in the 1MDB scandal, highlighting the fiscal damage inherited by the MADANI Government from past administrations.
Despite facing personal insults and attacks from certain parties, including Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor and other opposition leaders, Anwar remains focused and undeterred. Tunku Nashrul noted that while some use social media to undermine the MADANI Government's efforts, the Prime Minister remains steadfast.
The government's recent measures to ease cost-of-living pressures include reducing RON95 petrol prices from RM2.05 to RM1.99 per litre and providing a one-off RM100 cash assistance to all Malaysian adults. Tunku Nashrul highlighted that this marks the first time in history that all citizens, regardless of social status, receive a direct benefit from the government in conjunction with National Day celebrations.
These initiatives will begin rolling out this year, starting with the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) aid on Aug 31. Tunku Nashrul clarified that these announcements are based on the government's current fiscal capacity and are additional measures to ease the rising cost of living, separate from plans in Budget 2025.
Tunku Nashrul also addressed Sanusi's remarks, clarifying the difference between 'assistance' and 'budget', and emphasized that recent announcements are unrelated to Budget 2026, which applies to that year. Details of additional assistance for next year will be announced during the tabling of Budget 2026 in October.
He concluded by affirming the MADANI Government's commitment to sharing national prosperity and urged for fewer political distractions that could hinder national recovery efforts. The Prime Minister's Office remains available for the Kedah Menteri Besar should there be a need for further clarification on public finance matters.