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AsiaOne
7 days ago
- Business
- AsiaOne
$30 one-off cash handout, petrol price cut: Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim announces measures to tackle living costs, Malaysia News
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Wednesday (July 23) unveiled a raft of initiatives, which he said are a "token of appreciation" for Malaysians amid their concerns with high cost of living. Among them: A RM100 (S$30) one-off cash handout, price cuts to RON95 petrol for eligible Malaysians and an additional public holiday this year on Sept 15. In an address on national television and social media, Anwar, who is also the finance minister, said that the cash assistance — for all Malaysians aged 18 and above — is an immediate measure to ease the rising cost of living. It is also timed to coincide with National Day on Aug 31. "I stress this is the first time in history that cash aid is distributed to all adult citizens," said the prime minister, adding that it is expected to benefit 22 million people and cost the government RM2 billion. The cash assistance can be used to purchase essential goods at over 4,100 outlets in Malaysia, including supermarkets and participating shops. On the additional public holiday, Anwar said that it is aimed to "honour" national unity in conjunction with Malaysia Day celebrations. "It is hoped that this will strengthen unity and remind us of the greatness of our founding fathers who championed the formation of our beloved Malaysia," he added. The moves come as Anwar crosses the midway point of his first term as prime minister. A poll by research firm Merdeka Centre in June found that there is a slight increase in his approval ratings — 55 per cent in May 2025 compared with 54 per cent in December 2024 and 50 per cent in November 2023. But negative sentiments regarding the country's direction remain, with Malaysians citing concerns such as inflation and the high cost of living. [[nid:706255]] chingshijie@
New Straits Times
10-07-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Sabahans back Madani leadership as confidence grows
KOTA KINABALU: The people of Sabah have demonstrated strong support for the Madani government, as reflected in recent public opinion surveys, says Sabah PKR chief Datuk Mustapha Sakmud. He said that findings from the Ipsos Populism Report 2025 showed a marked improvement in public sentiment, with the percentage of respondents who believe the country is headed in the wrong direction declining from 52 per cent in 2023 to 40 per cent in 2025 — well below the global average of 57 per cent. "This clearly indicates that the people are beginning to feel the positive impact of institutional reforms and the tangible outcomes brought about by the Madani government," he said in a statement. "This is a sign of growing confidence in the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, particularly through his international engagements aimed at strengthening multilateral cooperation and boosting foreign investment. "The warm receptions and respect extended to him abroad have raised Malaysia's standing on the global stage." Mustapha, who is also Deputy Higher Education Minister, cited a separate national survey showing increased support for the government. "A recent Merdeka Centre poll revealed the Prime Minister's approval rating rose to 55 per cent in May 2025, up significantly from 43 per cent in June 2024. Approval for the federal government also climbed to 50 per cent, compared to 40 per cent last year. "This directly challenges the negative narrative suggesting dissatisfaction with the Madani administration and reinforces the fact that political stability remains a top priority for the public." He said this sentiment was also apparent in Sabah as the state gears up for its next election. "Overall, these survey results reflect the mood among Sabahans, who are preparing for the upcoming state polls. The prime minister continues to receive the highest ratings in terms of leadership. "It is clear that political stability — both at the federal and state levels — remains the people's preferred path towards continued development and prosperity. "The people are calling for continuity, not conflict. As we approach the Sabah State Election 2025, what they truly want is stability — and the Madani government continues to prove its credibility."
Focus Malaysia
25-06-2025
- Business
- Focus Malaysia
'Syiok sendiri' doubt cast on Madani gov't after Merdeka Centre's 55% approval rating for PMX
A GOOD governance advocate has queried pollster Merdeka Centre's latest survey which claimed that Malaysian voters gave Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim a positive approval rating of 55% in May this year compared with 43% in June 2024. 'All you have to know is Merdeka Centre is no longer independent,' reacted Perisai Waja (@PerisaiPejuang) on an X post. 'No right-thinking citizen in the midst of new taxes, subsidy removals, higher electricity tariffs – entering into an environment of high prices – would give this government high approval especially after promising the reverse.' All you have to know is Merdeka Centre is no longer independent. No right thinking citizen in the midst of nex taxes, subsidy removals, higher electricity tariffs – entering into an environment of high prices – would give this gov high approval esp after promising the reverse. — Perisai Waja (@PerisaiPejuang) June 24, 2025 According to Merdeka Centre, the survey on 1,208 registered voters showed that Malaysians are beginning to feel that the country is finally on steadier ground with political turbulence easing and PMX now leading a government with a two-thirds parliamentary majority. 'Institutional reforms like the revived Parliamentary Services Act 2025 also signal a return to principled governance,' the independent pollster focused on public opinion research and socio-economic analysis claimed in a statement on Monday (June 23) Even on the PKR site on X, except for a handful of Madani government backers, many non-believers teased the latest Merdeka Centre findings as 'over-relying on a small sample size' hence the outcome is nothing more than 'syiok sendiri' (self-conceited/delusional)'. Stating that the survey is 'hard to believe' or possibly 'a joke', some sceptics suggested that a follow-up survey is imminent given PMX's own party page has become a 'laughing stock'. On a serious noter, a few commenters wondered where the 55% figure was derived from 'when the reality is that more and more people are losing faith in PMX leadership and unfulfilled promises'. Even a Madani keyboard warrior who wanted to counter the 'syiok semdiri' accusation levelled at the Merdeka Centre survey as the job of opposition cybertroopers was schooled by those who have lost faith in the Madani government. 'Adam, Najib (disgraced former premier Datuk Seri Najib Razak) used to be like this before he lost; everyone said Najib's popularity was increasing,' recounted one commenter. 'There was only one who said Najib would lose which was Invoke (research outfit founded by former PKR deputy president Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli). But at that time, you believed Invoke, not Merdeka Centre. But are you now listening to Merdeka Centre?' – June 25, 2025 'Syok Sendiri' Ini sahaja yang mampu diungkapkan oleh Cytro pembangkang untuk menafikan pencapaian PMX @anwaribrahim dan kerajaan perpaduan. Sebab itu mereka gigih anjur pelbagai demo untuk bina naratif kononnya rakyat benci PMX dan kerajaan MADANI. Ini baru separuh penggal 👍 — Adam Yusuf (@adamyusuf88) June 24, 2025
Focus Malaysia
24-06-2025
- Business
- Focus Malaysia
Ramasamy wary if waning leadership would make PMX a one-term Madani gov't head
THERE are growing doubts over whether Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will even complete his first term in office – let alone seek a second. Expectations of a second term are mostly driven by loyalists and cheerleaders who argue that reforms are still on the horizon but may require more time. The common excuse is that Anwar must first navigate complex ideological and political differences among his coalition partners before reaching consensus on key reforms. Anwar himself has repeatedly claimed that the reform agenda remains intact but its implementation will take time. Implicit in his remarks is the suggestion that a second term may be necessary to realise more substantive, particularly institutional, reforms. Even a minor 1% increase in the Madani government's popularity is being overly celebrated by his supporters. Yet among all recent PMs, Anwar's popularity has declined as rapidly as it rose. Editor's Note: A survey by independent socio-economic pollster Merdeka Centre found that a majority of Malaysian voters gave PMX a positive approval rating of 55% in May this year compared with 43% in June last year. The centre in a statement yesterday (June 23) said the survey on 1,208 registered voters showed that Malaysians are beginning to feel that the country is finally on steadier ground with political turbulence easing and Anwar now leading a government with a two-thirds parliamentary majority. Downside becoming obvious Today, Anwar's indecisive stance on various issues has rendered him a serious liability to the nation's stability and well-being. The viability of his continued leadership is increasingly being questioned. Despite frantic attempts to bolster his leadership – and, by extension, his bid for a second term – signs are emerging that the sooner Anwar steps down, the better it may be for the country. His most ardent defenders – both within his party and the ruling coalition – are increasingly relying on manipulated data and exaggerated achievements to justify his tenure. Even if Anwar manages to complete his full term, the growing calls for him to resign cannot be ignored. Malaysia's foreign debt has reached the trillions, not mere billions, contrary to official claims. Investment figures remain murky – based more on pledges and memo memorandum of understanding (MOU) than actual inflows. Corruption – already endemic – appears to be on the rise. The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) seems reluctant to pursue high-profile cases, particularly in Sabah. Concerns are mounting that the MACC may be weaponised to selectively persecute critics of the Madani government. Judiciary impendent compromised Freedom of the media is more restricted than ever. Meanwhile, the judiciary – constitutionally independent – faces growing threats. While the executive branch claims non-interference in judicial appointments, many fear otherwise. The civil suit brought by Anwar's former research assistant Yusoff Rawther on allegations of sexual misconduct and the subsequent constitutional questions raised in court, have added legal and political complications. The Court of Appeal's decision to allow a full hearing has further postponed the suit, fuelling speculation that the government may attempt to influence key judicial appointments. Notably, several senior judicial appointments remain unfilled, including that of the Chief Justice. Critics previously condemned twice former premier Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad for strengthening federal control over judicial appointments. Ironically, under this so-called 'reform' government, there are renewed fears that similar interference could occur, particularly in the filling of senior positions. Given the government's faltering performance, an independent judiciary may be Malaysia's last hope for justice and accountability. – June 24, 2025 Former DAP stalwart and Penang chief minister II Prof Ramasamy Palanisamy is chairman of the United Rights of Malaysian Party (Urimai) interim council. The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia. Main image credit: Anwar Ibrahim/Facebook
Malay Mail
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Survey: Majority polled think Najib should not be pardoned
KUALA LUMPUR, May 9 — More than half of respondents in a survey on Malaysians' views about the criminal justice system said they oppose the pardon plea by former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak. The rider survey, conducted by Merdeka Centre and commissioned by Projek Sama, a civil society group consisting mostly of academics, polled over 1,200 Malaysians between March and April this year. Respondents were asked four primary questions, one of which specifically addressed their opinion on Najib's pardon. Only a third supported the plea, while over half opposed it, citing feelings of betrayal. 'Overall, 32.7 per cent of respondents supported his pardon plea on the grounds that he has contributed to the country, while 57.8 per cent believed that Najib should not be pardoned for various reasons,' the group said in a statement. Among those who opposed the pardon, slightly over a third said their objection stemmed from the belief that Najib's scandal was a betrayal of the people and caused significant losses. Another 15 per cent cited pending cases as their reason for opposing the former prime minister's pardon, while 8.1 per cent pointed to Najib's refusal to admit guilt despite his conviction. Najib is currently seeking to serve his remaining sentence at home, even as he continues to face trials for multiple corruption and criminal breach of trust charges related to the 1MDB scandal. More to come
