“The government will make sure that economic reforms don’t burden the people,” Prime Minister Anwar

Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the government is committed to minimizing public impact from Madani economic reforms. The Prime Minister acknowledged the implementation of the Public Service Remuneration System (SSPA), progressive wage, and minimum wage policies to enhance people’s quality of life and adaptability.

The economy, fiscal strength, ratings, and investments could suffer without targeted subsidies, he said.

“Compared to other neighboring countries, the cost of oil, flour, and crude oil remains relatively low,” Anwar stated during a town hall session at the Madani Government’s Two-Year Programme (2TM) and the 2024 National Convention on Public Service Reform, held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre on Saturday, Nov.

Deputy Prime Ministers Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Fadillah Yusof, Cabinet ministers, and Chief Secretary Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar also attended.Anwar hoped all parties would strengthen the country’s economic and fiscal capacity to support the Fiscal Responsibility Act.

He agreed that the previous administration recommended subsidy rationalization but did not implement it. He also said two years was too short to evaluate the government’s economic stabilization efforts. However, the Prime Minister believed that with public and private sector support, the government’s wage program could raise living standards.

“After observing our performance over the past two years, with a team of civil servants, the private sector, and the enthusiasm of young people to be trained, if we persist in enhancing management now, the new Malaysia will be perceived as brave and great,” he said.