PUTRAJAYA, Malaysia Aug 20, 2025 – Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim reaffirmed the MADANI Government’s commitment to tackling the rising cost of living and poverty across all communities, emphasizing efforts to uplift the poor and vulnerable regardless of background. He made these remarks during his speech at the Ministry of Finance’s Monthly Staff Assembly this morning.
Acknowledging that many Malaysians continue to grapple with the escalating cost of living, Anwar highlighted that hardcore poverty affects various groups. “It is true that many Malays still live in poverty. However, among the hardcore poor, a significant number are from the Indian community,” he said, underscoring the distinction between poverty and hardcore poverty.
Anwar stressed that the MADANI Government’s policies are not based on favoritism but are grounded in principles of justice and compassion for all. As evidence, cash assistance to the Indian community through the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah program has surged by 68%, from RM578 million in 2022 to RM972 million in 2025. This increase outpaces the 39% to 60% rise in aid for other ethnic groups over the same period.
For the Chinese community, Anwar noted that nearly RM14 billion, or 75% of the total guarantees under the Business Financing Guarantee Scheme (SJPP), have benefited Chinese entrepreneurs, including small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and large companies. Meanwhile, targeted policies like PuTERA35 have been introduced to boost economic participation among Malays and Bumiputera.
“Malaysia is a diverse nation, and issues like these will continue to spark discourse. However, the MADANI Government is committed to addressing the nation’s fundamental challenges with justice and compassion for all,” Anwar emphasized.
He added that these efforts reflect the government’s responsibility to ensure the well-being of its people while addressing the socioeconomic challenges facing the country.