'More Malays in poverty, but Indians not sidelined in eradication efforts'
Speaking during Prime Minister's Question Time, Anwar (Harapan-Tambun) also denied a perception of Indians being sidelined from hardcore poverty eradication initiatives that cover all ethnic groups.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
an hour ago
- The Star
Charting the sustainable fiscal and economic agenda
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. PETALING JAYA: The government's priority will continue to be placed on addressing leakages and enhancing efficiency through measures such as the phased implementation of the e-invoicing system moving forward. The Fiscal Policy Committee (FPC) stated that these efforts underscored the government's resolve to build a fairer, more resilient and sustainable fiscal framework that supports long-term economic growth and the well-being of the rakyat. The FPC convened yesterday to provide a comprehensive review of Malaysia's current economic developments, assess key external and domestic challenges, as well as analyse short and medium-term fiscal projections as outlined in the Public Finance and Fiscal Responsibility Act 2023 (FRA). Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who chaired the meeting, stressed that the role of the FPC in shaping a balanced path between fiscal sustainability and economic growth is central to the government's commitment to sound fiscal governance, ensuring that the needs of the rakyat and businesses are met without compromising long-term stability. He also noted that as the Madani government embarks on the 13th Malaysia Plan, fiscal space must be optimised to deliver public investments that materially transform the economy (Raise the Ceiling) and improve the rakyat's quality of life (Raise the Floor). 'The Madani government remains committed to pursuing fiscal sustainability while ensuring that growth momentum is preserved, particularly in light of current global developments. 'The Malaysian economy has continued to demonstrate resilience, expanding by 4.4% in the first half of 2025, while the unemployment rate eased to a decade low of 3%. In 2025, Malaysia's economy is expected to grow between 4% and 4.8%, underpinned by strong domestic demand, moderate inflation, and a stable labour market,' he said in a statement yesterday. Anwar noted these outcomes were realised in tandem with the government's fiscal consolidation efforts, with the successful reduction of the fiscal deficit from 5.5% of gross domestic product in 2022 to 4.1% in 2024. 'The FPC meeting today reaffirmed the government's commitment to reducing the 3.8% fiscal deficit target for 2025 and subsequently achieving a deficit of 3% or below in the medium term,' he added.
Malaysia Sun
an hour ago
- Malaysia Sun
Millions take part in Moscow festival celebrating Indias culture
Record crowds joined a festival marking South Asian nations 78th independence India Day festivities in Moscow last week recorded 2.7 million visitors, according to the organizers. The four-day celebration in the Russian capital mixed yoga sessions, dance performance and Holi traditions with official ceremonies and awards. The festival was attended by India's Ambassador to Russia Vinay Kumar, Moscow Government Minister Sergey Cheremin, and officials from dozens of countries, according to festival founder and President of the Indian Cultural and National Center Sita Sammy Kotwani. This year's program included the launch of the India Day awards, the jury for which featured Anton Kobyakov, an adviser to Russian President Vladimir Putin, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova and Mosfilm director Karen Shakhnazarov. Awards were presented in ten categories such as yoga, Ayurveda, literature, business and humanitarian initiatives. The festival coincided with India's 79th Independence Day, marked on 15 August. The date commemorates India's liberation from British rule in 1947 and its emergence as a sovereign state. Independence Day is among the country's key national holidays and is observed annually with flag-raising ceremonies, cultural events and tributes to leaders of the independence movement. The event also coincided with an official visit to Russia by Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar, who is scheduled to hold talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Thursday. As part of the celebrations and to highlight close ties between the two countries, landmark buildings along Moscow's Novy Arbat Avenue were lit in the colors of the Indian flag, the Indian Embassy said in a post on X. (
New Straits Times
5 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Anwar: Government prioritises fiscal discipline for sustainable economy
KUALA LUMPUR: The country's financial management must be carried out prudently and with discipline, in line with the spirit of the Public Finance and Fiscal Responsibility Act 2023 (FRA), said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He stressed this while chairing the Fiscal Policy Committee (FPC) meeting, which is an important platform for drafting clear fiscal policies and setting the direction of the country's economy. He said the Madani Government needs to continue to find a balance between efforts to maintain the momentum of economic growth and ensuring the country's fiscal position remains sustainable, especially in the volatile global economic environment. "Although the world is still grappling with uncertainty, the national economy remains strong with a growth rate of 4.4 per cent for the first half of 2025. "The unemployment rate has also dropped to three per cent, the lowest in 10 years," the prime minister said in a post on his Facebook page. He added that the government has successfully reduced the fiscal deficit from 5.5 per cent in 2022 to 4.1 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2024, an achievement that demonstrates its commitment to responsible fiscal management. Meanwhile, in a separate statement following the FPC meeting today, the Finance Ministry said as the Madani Government embarks on the 13th Malaysia Plan, fiscal space must be optimised to deliver public investments that materially transform the economy (Raise the Ceiling) and improve the rakyat's quality of life (Raise the Floor). In 2025, Malaysia's economy is expected to grow between 4.0 per cent and 4.8 per cent, underpinned by strong domestic demand, moderate inflation and a stable labour market. "The FPC meeting today reaffirmed the government's commitment to reducing the 3.8 per cent fiscal deficit target for 2025 and subsequently achieving a deficit of three per cent or below in the medium term, in line with the FRA commitment," said Anwar, who is also the finance minister. The session also serves as an important step in setting the government's fiscal trajectory ahead of the forthcoming Budget 2026, scheduled to be tabled on Oct 10. Under the provisions of the FRA, the ministry said the Madani Government is undertaking the Medium-Term Revenue Strategy (MTRS) to broaden the revenue base and establish a more progressive tax system, while strengthening compliance with international best practices. "Moving forward, priority will be placed on addressing leakages and enhancing efficiency through measures such as the phased implementation of the e-invoicing system. "These efforts underscore the government's resolve to build a fairer, more resilient and sustainable fiscal framework that supports long-term economic growth and the well-being of the people," said the ministry. – BERNAMA
