Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has defended the RM100 cash aid announced yesterday for all Malaysian adults, asserting that it is not an insignificant sum when viewed in conjunction with existing assistance programs.
He stated that the allocation for such initiatives, including Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) and Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR), had been increased from RM13 billion to RM15 billion. This, he emphasized, reflects the government’s unwavering commitment to assisting the populace without reducing current aid provisions.
“If we provide RM100, and a low-income family has two children aged 18 and above, plus the husband and wife, that constitutes an additional RM400. Adding that to the RM300 they are already receiving through STR and SARA, the total becomes RM700. That is not a small amount,” Anwar elaborated.
“Therefore, do not belittle it. Do not say, ‘What can RM100 buy?’ Just don’t. Because this is on top of what has already been budgeted. At the Ministry of Finance, we reviewed the numbers and added another RM2 billion. We must calculate where that money is originating from,” he said during the ministry’s monthly assembly in Putrajaya today.
Anwar, who also serves as the Finance Minister, was responding to criticisms from several opposition Members of Parliament who questioned his announcement that 22 million Malaysian adults would receive RM100 under the SARA initiative.
Anwar further announced that Malaysians would benefit from a lower RON95 price of RM1.99 per liter once the targeted subsidies come into effect, with comprehensive details to be revealed before the end of September.
He explained that initiatives such as the targeted fuel subsidies and the civil service salary review have also led to a significant increase in government spending. Regarding the petrol price reduction, Anwar affirmed that ensuring foreigners do not benefit from the RON95 subsidies is a logical measure, given that fuel prices in neighboring countries are considerably higher.
He also reiterated that the implementation of targeted subsidies would be conducted in phases to ensure that aid effectively reaches the B40 and M40 income groups. “We commenced with the hardcore poor, then proceeded to the B40, and now we are extending coverage to the M40. That is the systematic approach. I have stated that we need to exercise a degree of patience with the implementation,” he said.
Anwar also dismissed remarks by former Prime Minister Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, who asserted that he did not require immunity from legal action concerning his role in the Batu Puteh issue. “Let it be,” Anwar told reporters after the assembly. Earlier, Anwar had informed the Dewan Rakyat that no legal action was taken against the former prime minister over his involvement in the Batu Puteh issue due to his age. Yesterday, Mahathir stated that given the accusations, he should be brought to court and that immunity was reserved for those who were fearful and guilty.
