KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA Oct 7 – The Democratic Action Party’s Youth Wing (DAPSY) today called on the government to prioritize institutional reforms, increased funding for higher education, and strengthened business-friendly policies in the upcoming Budget 2026, viewing these as key drivers for the nation’s long-term development.
In a joint media statement issued today, DAPSY National Secretary Lim Chun Weng and Public Policy Bureau Chief Jason Ng Thien Yeong emphasized that these three agendas align with the aspirations of the majority of Malaysians and require sufficient financial support and comprehensive policy backing.
“These reforms are not only demands from Pakatan Harapan supporters but also the primary hopes of the people to ensure the supremacy of law and better governance,” they stated.
On institutional reforms, DAPSY welcomed the nine reform agendas introduced by the Madani Government, including the separation of powers between the Attorney General and Public Prosecutor, the re-enactment of the Parliamentary Services Act to strengthen the doctrine of separation of powers, and the implementation of the Government Procurement Act 2025 to enhance the country’s fiscal governance.
However, DAPSY proposed that future appointments of the Public Prosecutor should be independent from executive interference to guarantee judicial independence. They also urged the acceleration of other critical reforms, such as the repeal of the Universities and University Colleges Act (AUKU) and efforts to bolster judicial independence.
In the area of higher education, DAPSY highlighted the challenge of brain drain due to insufficient resources, which has also fueled recent controversies over matriculation and university admissions. They stressed that higher education is an investment in the future, urging the Prime Minister to significantly increase funding so that high-achieving students—such as those with straight A’s in SPM or a 4.0 CGPA in STPM—receive priority in admissions.
“This boost will retain local talent and fulfill the hopes of thousands of high-potential students,” the statement added, aligning with the nation’s aspirations toward a high-value, technology-intensive industry-based economy.
From an economic policy perspective, DAPSY acknowledged the government’s success in reducing the 2024 Federal Government deficit by RM12.224 billion to RM79.166 billion through reforms like subsidy restructuring. Nevertheless, during this economic recovery phase, they argued that the government must ease the burden on businesses via tax incentives and increased market liquidity to stimulate investments and overall economic competitiveness.
Finally, DAPSY called on all Malaysians to unite in supporting the Madani Government, which has shown positive signs of economic growth, and to fully back the forthcoming budget presentation.