Kuala lumpur: The announcement of several key initiatives by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim yesterday, as a gesture of appreciation to the people, reflects a policy shift by the MADANI Government towards a more inclusive approach for the middle-income group (M40).

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Senior Political Science Lecturer at Universiti Teknologi MARA, Mujibu Abd Muis, highlighted that the one-off RM100 cash assistance under the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) programme, the postponement of toll rate hikes for 10 highways, and the targeted RON95 subsidy could be seen as part of the government's broader efforts to extend social safety nets for groups that had long viewed themselves as marginalised.

Mujibu stated that while the RM100 cash aid and lower RON95 fuel price might not have completely changed the M40 group's perception, it was a clear indication that the government was not turning a blind eye to their plight. He emphasized the importance of assistance in a climate where inflation, the prices of goods, and the lack of affordable housing remain key concerns.

Associate Professor Dr Mazlan Ali of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) opined that the Prime Minister's announcement signaled the government's move to give more attention to the middle-income earners who were often seen as self-reliant but were equally affected by the rising cost of living. He noted that the comprehensive initiative reflected the government's concern in addressing the grievances of the M40 group and could help change their negative perception of government policies.

Mazlan further suggested that the initiative could stimulate the domestic economy by boosting household spending, thereby supporting local sectors, including tourism.

Meanwhile, 38-year-old trader Mohd Syafiq Hazman expressed that the move provided some relief for middle-income families, who he felt were often not given due attention by the government. He acknowledged that the aid, though modest, could significantly ease kitchen or fuel expenses for a family of four or five, indicating the government's awareness of their struggles.