Government Aid Must Be Based on Justice, Not Race, Says Finance Minister

PUTRAJAYA: Finance Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today stressed that government assistance under the MADANI framework is provided to all citizens regardless of race, with the focus on lifting the poor and vulnerable out of hardship.

Speaking at the Ministry of Finance’s monthly assembly this morning, Anwar acknowledged that the high cost of living continues to weigh heavily on many Malaysians and could worsen if not addressed.

“It is true that many Malays still live in poverty. But I have also repeatedly reminded that within the hardcore poor category, many come from the Indian community,” he said.

He emphasized the difference between the poor and the hardcore poor, noting that the MADANI Government assists citizens not on the basis of ethnicity, but with the principle of fairness and compassion.

According to Anwar, the results are clear:Direct cash assistance for the Indian community increased from RM578 million in 2022 to RM972 million under Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah, marking a 68% rise in just three years, compared to 39%–60% increases for other ethnic groups. Chinese entrepreneurs, including SMEs and larger companies, have benefited from nearly RM14 billion, or 75% of total guarantees under the Business Financing Guarantee Scheme (SJPP). For Malays and Bumiputera, targeted policies such as PuTERA35 have been launched to boost economic participation more effectively.

Anwar admitted that such issues will remain a subject of debate in Malaysia’s multiracial society but reaffirmed his government’s commitment.

“The MADANI Government shoulders the responsibility to correct fundamental problems in this country, guided by the principles of justice and compassion for all,” he said.