KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA January 6, 2026 – DAP Policy Director Datuk Chan Foong Hin today welcomed Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s New Year address, which announced a package of important institutional reforms as well as various people-centric initiatives to address the cost of living.
In a media statement issued earlier today, Chan said the Prime Minister’s message reinforces the MADANI government’s commitment to good governance and inclusive prosperity, while urging all Members of Parliament to set aside partisan differences to ensure these reforms are realised.
Among the key institutional reforms welcomed by Chan are:
– Separation of the roles of Attorney-General and Public Prosecutor
– Introduction of a Freedom of Information Act
– Establishment of an Ombudsman Institution
– Constitutional amendment to limit the Prime Minister’s tenure to a maximum of two terms or 10 years
He described the proposed term limit for the Prime Minister as a “bulwark” against excessive concentration of power and a step to strengthen democratic accountability at the highest level, in line with the reform agenda promised in the HARAPAN manifesto during GE15.
Chan also praised the MADANI government’s economic achievements over the past three years, highlighting the Malaysian ringgit’s emergence as Asia’s best-performing currency in 2025 – a sign of renewed investor confidence and stronger economic fundamentals.
However, he acknowledged that macro-level prosperity does not always translate immediately into relief for every segment of society, particularly amid cost-of-living pressures. Reforms, he stressed, must be inclusive, leaving no group behind, and require ongoing policy refinements and targeted interventions.
Chan welcomed the support measures announced by the Prime Minister, which include:
– RM130 million allocation for upgrading vernacular schools
– Commencement of Phase 1 Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) payments from January 20
– Phased rollout of Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) of up to RM200 per month starting January 9
– One-off RM100 credit to every Malaysian citizen aged 18 and above on February 9
– Continuation of Jualan Rahmah MADANI, to be held three times a month in every state constituency
– RM150 Early Schooling Assistance for each school-going child
– Reduction of Service Tax on rentals for micro, small, and medium enterprises from 8% to 6%
“These measures reflect a clear and practical approach by the government to ease the cost-of-living burden while supporting families and small businesses,” Chan said.
He emphasised that reforms take time and require patience, stability, and perseverance. After three years of rebuilding public trust, restoring institutional functions, and laying solid foundations, Malaysia is now in a stronger position to move forward with confidence and clear direction.
DAP, Chan stressed, remains fully committed to this reform agenda and stands ready to work with all parties in the interest of the rakyat and the nation’s future.
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