PM Anwar says 2025’s focus is on cost of living, targeted aid, and tackling sensitive issues like enforcement and race with greater firmness
PUTRAJAYA: The government’s primary direction for next year will be to alleviate the cost of living faced by the people, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said.
Anwar stated that government measures include ensuring targeted subsidies, cash assistance, and increasing the minimum wage.
He cited initiatives like Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR), Jualan Rahmah, and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA), totalling RM15 billion in contributions returned to the people.
“Our strength compared to the opposition is that they can talk, but when they were in power, they did not do this,” he said during a briefing with media editors-in-chief.
The Prime Minister said the government will also focus on reforms and strengthening fiscal responsibility through new legislation.
He added that starting next year, the government will take bolder steps on sensitive and controversial issues including enforcement, language, and race.
“I feel the time has come for us to move more boldly starting next year on delayed issues considered sensitive or controversial,” Anwar stated.
He highlighted the Attorney General’s recent decision not to defend major criminal misconduct as a vital step to restore confidence in national institutions.
Anwar emphasised that enforcement agencies like the MACC and LHDN require firmer and more effective execution.
The Prime Minister also stressed the government will not remain silent in the face of distorted narratives involving race and religion.
“Look at the issues of race, language, and the economy – we must face them with firmer action,” he said.
He noted his appointment of a non-Malay minister to lead the Federal Territories Ministry was met with negative aspersions despite the team’s communal work.
On language, Anwar said the government is committed to empowering Bahasa Melayu as the national language.
He affirmed this commitment does not deny the importance of English and other languages in a globalised world.
“The commitment to strengthening Bahasa Melayu must remain the foundation of our national identity and unity,” he added.
Commenting on the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC), Anwar stressed the matter is often politicised.
“To me, the UEC is not the primary issue; it is not merely a matter of rejection or acceptance,” he said.
He stated it must be viewed within the broader context of the nation’s history and education system.
Anwar concluded by announcing he will issue a comprehensive statement on the nation’s direction on January 5. – Bernama
