Latest news with #RON95
The Sun
10 minutes ago
- Business
- The Sun
PM Anwar fulfils fuel price promise, eases cost of living
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has delivered on his promise to lower fuel prices, with RON95 now priced at RM1.99 per litre, one of the lowest rates globally. Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming hailed the move as proof of the government's commitment to easing the people's financial burden despite economic challenges. 'Anwar said if he became Prime Minister, fuel prices would go down, and now, they will really go down,' Nga said during a press conference after officiating the ASEAN Real Estate Conference (AREC) 2025 and ARCHIDEX 2025. He added that the government's initiatives, including the RM100 one-off aid under the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) programme and the freeze on toll rate hikes, reflect its dedication to helping all Malaysians, including the often-overlooked M40 group. The RM2 billion SARA allocation is expected to benefit 22 million Malaysians, providing a much-needed economic boost. Nga emphasised that the government remains focused on long-term nation-building, even if some decisions may be unpopular in the short term. 'Sometimes in the government, we are required to make some unpopular, extremely difficult decisions as leaders who care about the next generation,' he said. He also hinted at more positive announcements in Budget 2026, set to be tabled in October. In addition to cost-of-living measures, Nga reaffirmed the government's commitment to housing reforms through PR1MA and affordable housing projects. 'You have to give us at least three terms to realise our vision,' he said, urging patience and continued support for the administration. – Bernama
Barnama
an hour ago
- Business
- Barnama
PM Anwar's Announcement Reflects Strong Economic Fundamentals
KOTA KINABALU, July 23 (Bernama) -- The Sabah government views Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's announcement of various initiatives to help ease the rising cost of living burden as a clear indication of the country's strong economic fundamentals under the MADANI Government. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said the Sabah government welcomed the people-centric initiatives, as they were aimed at alleviating the people's burden. 'This reflects the Prime Minister's genuine concern for the people's well-being,' he said in a statement today. Hajiji described the one-off RM100 aid for all Malaysians aged 18 and above to purchase essential items at 4,100 retail outlets, along with the expansion of the Rahmah MADANI Sales to every state constituency, as a welcome move for the people. He said the move to lower the RON95 petrol price to RM1.99 per litre under the targeted subsidy initiative, which was expected to benefit more than 18 million Malaysians, had truly fulfilled the people's aspirations. Hajiji said that the additional public holiday on Sept 15, declared in conjunction with Malaysia Day, reflected the federal government's recognition of the significance of this special occasion for the entire nation. In SARAWAK, Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg expressed his gratitude to the Prime Minister following today's announcement of various people-centric initiatives. 'The RON95 price will be reduced, and several other forms of assistance will be extended to the people. I am thankful. 'This means that the people of Sarawak will not only be receiving assistance from Kuala Lumpur (federal government), but also from the state government. This will help ease the people's burden,' he said at a press conference after attending an event in Bintulu today.
The Sun
2 hours ago
- Business
- The Sun
PM's cost-of-living relief measures show MADANI govt resolve
KUALA LUMPUR: The Muslim Youth Movement of Malaysia (ABIM) has lauded Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's latest cost-of-living relief measures, calling them a clear sign of the MADANI Government's determination to resist political pressures while prioritising national stability. ABIM president Ahmad Fahmi Mohd Samsudin expressed confidence that the initiatives, including a one-off RM100 cash payment for adults, reduced RON95 petrol prices to RM1.99 per litre, and expanded Rahmah MADANI Sales allocations, would provide immediate relief to low and middle-income groups. 'These measures reflect the government's responsiveness to the people's struggles amid rising living costs,' he said in a statement. However, he stressed that their success hinges on 'integrity, efficient governance, and genuine concern for those in need.' Ahmad Fahmi also highlighted the importance of the upcoming 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) in ensuring long-term impact. 'The Malaysia MADANI agenda requires strong political will, civil society engagement, and public support to succeed,' he added. Transparency in implementation was another key point raised by ABIM. The group pledged to remain a strategic partner in advocating for reforms aligned with social justice and good governance. Separately, the Anwar Ibrahim Club (AIC) welcomed the announcements as proof of the government's dedication to public welfare. 'These initiatives show that the people's needs remain central to national planning,' it said, urging continued public support for reforms. – Bernama
Focus Malaysia
2 hours ago
- Politics
- Focus Malaysia
Malaysia's Leviathan: Anwar's pact for order
IN LEVIATHAN, 17th-century philosopher Thomas Hobbes argued that in the absence of a sovereign authority, human beings live in a 'state of nature' characterised by fear, insecurity, and constant conflict. Without a central power to impose order, each individual acts in their own interest, often threatening others in the process. The solution, Hobbes proposed, was the creation of an all-powerful sovereign that an entity entrusted with absolute authority to maintain peace and stability. In modern political terms, this sovereign is the state itself. As Malaysia navigates a complex era under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Hobbes's insights offer a compelling lens through which to assess both the administration's actions and the expectations of its citizens. Anwar's unity government came into power in November 2022 amid political fragmentation, economic uncertainty, and mounting social anxieties. Hobbes believed that individuals are willing to surrender certain liberties in exchange for protection and stability, an idea that resonates strongly in Malaysia today. The administration has embarked on sweeping reforms aimed at restoring fiscal discipline, narrowing the budget deficit, and fostering long-term economic resilience. Chief among these is the rationalisation of fuel subsidies, beginning with RON95 petrol, and the expansion of the sales and services tax (SST). These changes, though necessary from a governance and economic standpoint, have generated anxiety among citizens already burdened by high living costs. In the Hobbesian framework, such reforms are the sovereign's attempt to provide security but they can only succeed if the public perceives that their sacrifices are being met with tangible, equitable outcomes. The fear of losing one's livelihood or economic stability mirrors Hobbes's portrayal of insecurity in the state of nature. When individuals feel unprotected or perceive policies as unjust, they may turn against the very structure meant to preserve order. Anwar's administration must therefore tread carefully, ensuring that reforms do not deepen inequality or alienate key voter bases, particularly the Malay majority who feel increasingly disillusioned. Budget 2025, with its record-high spending and emphasis on targeted aid, aims to balance austerity with inclusiveness. But execution is critical. Hobbes warned that a sovereign who cannot enforce fairness or maintain the confidence of the people risks collapse into chaos. In his theory, Hobbes emphasised that human conflict often arises not just from survival instincts but from the desire for status and recognition. Malaysia's deeply embedded socio-economic hierarchies—defined along ethnic, class, and regional lines echo this dynamic. Anwar's flagship socio-economic reform, the Bumiputera Transformation 2035 (PuTERA35), seeks to address these disparities by elevating disadvantaged Malay communities through better education, asset ownership, and entrepreneurial support. Yet critics argue that its lack of coordination and uneven implementation may inadvertently reinforce cronyism or widen gaps between the elite and marginalised. For Hobbes, the sovereign's role is not just to distribute resources but to do so transparently and impartially. Failure to address perceived favouritism or inefficiency can provoke rivalry and undermine national cohesion. Another dimension of Hobbes's sovereign is the monopoly on the interpretation of laws. In Malaysia, Anwar's administration has moved to strengthen its control over public discourse by expanding the scope of the Sedition Act and passing new laws under the Communications and Multimedia Act and the Cyber Security Act. While these measures are justified by the government as necessary for maintaining harmony and preventing extremism, they also curtail civil liberties and may stifle dissent. Hobbes acknowledged that a sovereign must sometimes suppress liberties to prevent disorder, but he also warned that overreach can erode trust. For a diverse and increasingly vocal Malaysian society, maintaining this balance between control and freedom is a delicate act. Externally, Hobbes's concept of the sovereign extends to international relations, where states act much like individuals in the state of nature competing for power, resources, and security. Anwar's foreign policy, especially during Malaysia's 2025 ASEAN chairmanship, reflects this reality. He has skilfully navigated Malaysia's position between competing powers, engaging with both the United States and China while pursuing strategic partnerships with BRICS nations. This balancing act is crucial to Malaysia's sovereignty and stability, especially amid global tensions in the South China Sea. According to Hobbes, a strong sovereign must shield its people from external threats and establish a reliable role in the global order, objectives that Anwar seems committed to pursuing through diplomacy and economic alignment. So, what can Malaysians realistically expect from Anwar's government through the Hobbesian lens? First, continued economic restructuring that demands public patience and trust. Second, increased efforts to centralise and streamline governance, eliminating duplication and inefficiencies across state agencies. Third, a more regulated civic space, particularly in the digital realm, as the state attempts to police misinformation and preserve unity. Fourth, long-term social programs aimed at redistributing wealth and uplifting vulnerable communities though their success hinges on competent implementation and transparency. Finally, proactive international engagement to secure Malaysia's relevance and buffer it from external shocks. Ultimately, Hobbes's Leviathan teaches us that authority, while sometimes restrictive, is necessary to prevent descent into disorder. Anwar's administration has assumed this Hobbesian role: demanding sacrifices while promising security and order in return. Whether this social contract holds will depend on the state's ability to deliver justice, economic opportunity, and peace across a pluralistic society. If Malaysians see that their obedience yields protection and fairness, the Leviathan will be legitimised. But if sacrifices are met with inequality, repression, or inefficiency, the fragile compact may fracture and Hobbes's state of nature may not seem so hypothetical after all. ‒ July 23, 2025 R. Paneir Selvam is the principal consultant of Arunachala Research & Consultancy Sdn Bhd, a think tank specialising in strategic national and geopolitical matters. The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia. Main image: The Star
The Sun
2 hours ago
- Automotive
- The Sun
Malaysians welcome RM1.99 RON95 petrol price reduction
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's announcement of the RON95 petrol price reduction to RM1.99 per litre has been met with widespread appreciation, offering much-needed relief to Malaysians grappling with rising living costs. Consumers Association of Kedah (CAKE) president Mohd Yusrizal Yusoff described the move as reassuring amid concerns over targeted fuel subsidies. 'Not only did the price not go up, it went down. This is proof that the government is listening to the people and working to ease our burden,' he said. For daily commuters like Nur Ayuni Syafini Shahalim, a 25-year-old kindergarten teacher from Perlis, the savings ease her travel expenses between Kodiang and Arau. 'I'm grateful because as a moderate-income worker, every ringgit saved is meaningful,' she said. Gig workers, heavily reliant on fuel, also stand to benefit. Mohd Bukhari Mohd Noor, a 41-year-old food delivery rider from Penang, noted that the six-sen per litre reduction helps cover family expenses and medical bills. 'This extra money can go towards my family's expenses and my parents' medical treatment,' he said. Civil servant Syarifah Suhaila Tahir from Johor sees the price cut as recognition of public support for government reforms. 'Even though the reduction is small, daily use makes the impact substantial,' she said. Students, too, welcome the change. Muhammad Aiman Haziq Mohd Alias, a 22-year-old university student, said lower fuel costs allow him to reallocate funds for studies and transport. 'I ride a motorcycle to campus daily, so with lower fuel prices, my expenses will drop too,' he explained. Anwar assured that the targeted subsidy would not burden ordinary Malaysians, benefiting approximately 18 million drivers and gig workers. 'Once the targeted RON95 subsidy is implemented, Malaysians will enjoy a lower petrol price of RM1.99 per litre,' he said. – Bernama
