![[UPDATED] Anwar: Surprise announcement linked to government's efforts to ease living costs](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.nst.com.my%2Fimages%2Farticles%2FAI_1752895875.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
[UPDATED] Anwar: Surprise announcement linked to government's efforts to ease living costs
However, Anwar said he needed a little more time to make the announcement, allowing his team under the Finance Ministry to prepare the 'surprise' in greater detail to ensure it is more comprehensive.
"The problem our country is facing is the cost of living. We want to increase salaries and allowances for public servants by RM10 billion this year, and next year by an additional RM18 billion, plus the STR (Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah) of RM13 billion, making it RM23 billion.
"The increase (in cost of living) is not only happening in our country but worldwide, but I am looking for ways and efforts.
"Every day at the Finance Ministry, we are working hard to find an approach that can be announced soon, specifically to address the cost of living.
"Please wait. If not Monday, then Tuesday, within two to three days. The announcement must be significant. We are finalising the details now. Pray that it will be good," he said.
He said this when speaking at the launch of the Bumiputera Master Plan, Tunas Madani and the JKPSB Housing Project at Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Penang branch here today.
Anwar recently sparked public interest after posting a mysterious teaser on his official Facebook page.
The short message offered no further details, sparking widespread discussions.
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