KUALALUMPUR, July 18, 2025 – Former Education Minister Dr.Maszlee Malik has taken to X to laud Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s economic initiatives, spotlighting significant financial benefits for Malaysians in a striking infographic posted on July 17. The post, which has sparked widespread discussion, highlights salary hikes, veteran aid, and various cash disbursements, aligning with the government’s 2025 budget vision of “Ekonomi MADANI, Negara Makmur, Rakyat Sejahtera.”
The infographic features a bold image of Anwar with arrows pointing to key figures: a 13% salary increase for civil servants—described as the highest in history—backed by a RM10 billion allocation announced in May 2024. It also lists minimum income boosts to RM2,000 for public servants, RM1,500 monthly aid for the elderly, and RM500 for veterans, alongside a 6.30% KWSP dividend and rural development funds. Maszlee’s caption, linking to the post, frames these as reasons to support Anwar’s leadership, asking, “Kenapa nak turun?” (Why should he step down?).
The post coincides with ongoing debates surrounding the 2025 budget, unveiled last November, which promised economic growth and fiscal prudence. Official data from the Ministry of Finance projects revenue to rise to RM340 billion in 2025, supported by an expanded Sales and Service Tax (SST) and a new 2% dividend tax on incomes exceeding RM100,000. Additionally, Malaysia’s foreign policy has gained traction under Anwar, with recent regional cooperation talks during a March 2024 Melbourne summit with Australian leaders reinforcing the “Prosper thy neighbour” approach.
However, the praise has drawn sharp criticism online. Commentators like @amrud and @johariaripin have pointed to rising costs—citing increases in taxes, electricity, and food prices—as counterpoints to the government’s highlighted gains. @G300722, a private sector worker, expressed frustration, noting, “Absolutely nothing for me… I need cancellation of my housing loan, car loan, and my children’s university tuition fees.” Others, including @ZakrieHasheem, questioned the omission of rising national debt, projected at RM80 billion for 2025, down from RM85 billion in 2024 but still a concern amid a 64% debt-to-GDP ratio.
Maszlee, now a vocal supporter of Anwar despite past political differences, faces accusations of shifting stances. @rachit_ismail remarked, “Jadi betul lah orang kata ahli PKR kena start berjemaah kaw2 puji AI ye” (It’s true what people say, PKR members must now collectively praise AI), referencing Anwar. The former minister’s 2014 tweet criticizing nepotism has resurfaced, fueling debates about consistency.
As public discourse intensifies, the government defends its reforms, with Anwar refuting claims of neglecting private sector workers and urging businesses to follow suit with wage hikes. Yet, with inflation pressures looming—particularly from planned RON95 subsidy rationalization mid-2025—the balance between economic gains and public sentiment remains a tightrope for the administration.
