By Melatie binti Aziz
melatie@inform.gov.my
August 31 is approaching once again. Are we still speculating or counting with our fingers how long we have enjoyed the freedom to determine our own direction? National Day is a significant event in Malaysia’s calendar, not just a celebration filled with flags and patriotic songs, but a symbol of the unity of the people in realizing the pure aspirations of a small nation with an independent spirit.
Malaysia is undergoing reforms to shape a developed nation in terms of the economy and to be strong in terms of humanitarian values, social well-being, and justice. Thus, Malaysia MADANI is not merely a slogan but a framework that can clarify all the demands of the people because the fundamental basis of the Unity Government is that all government policies need to be restored through a consensus that involves the voices of people from various backgrounds such as race, religion, region, and culture. The Unity Government is a true reflection of the inclusive nature of Malaysia.
Realizing that without the people, a country is merely a geographical area without a soul, without a voice, and without a future, the concept of Malaysia MADANI was launched with six MADANI pillars: Sustainability, Prosperity, Innovation, Harmony, Trust, and Compassion. The foundation of this concept is the trust between the government and the people based on transparency and cooperation. This shows that the government respects the rights of all people to live in a prosperous and sustainable environment when their voices are heard and translated through various policies and initiatives that have been implemented by the government since taking office.
Previously, the government implemented diesel subsidy reforms to ensure more efficient subsidy management, preventing leaks and reaching the deserving people. As a result, RM4 billion was saved, and the government used this saving to improve the public transportation system and the Rahmah Cash Assistance (STR), which has now increased to RM2.3 billion compared to RM2.1 billion in 2024, benefiting 9 million recipients or 60 percent of Malaysia’s adult population.
The government has also announced another progressive mechanism to increase national revenue, enabling more initiatives and assistance to be provided to the people to reduce the impact of the rising cost of living when the expansion of the scope of Sales and Service Tax (SST) is enforced on July 1, 2025. SST collections are expected to increase by RM5 billion this year and are projected to increase by RM10 billion in 2026. With this additional tax revenue, the government will return it to the people through the provision of infrastructure development such as roads, hospitals, schools, as well as other economic and social developments, including healthcare, education, and public welfare services.
The majority of the people, comprising 23.6 million domestic users, enjoy a fairer electricity rate with an average reduction in electricity tariff costs by 18 percent after the electricity tariff rationalization was implemented. Also, on July 1, 2025, in addition to the introduction of Energy Efficiency incentives for users who achieve the implemented usage levels, the tariff restructuring and provision of incentives are carried out considering the users’ capabilities and current needs for the benefit of the people.
In line with the theme of this year’s National Day celebration, “Rakyat Disantuni,” the government’s commitment to advocating for the well-being of the people to enjoy equality and balance in holistic efforts to develop the nation has been manifested. The people have always been the priority because without the people, a nation would not exist.
The HKHM celebration is not only a time to commemorate the historical event of the country’s liberation from colonialism but also a call to revive the true spirit of patriotism. In the modern era, challenges no longer come solely from outside but also emerge from within, such as inequality, division, urban and rural poverty, and the loss of humanitarian values.
In this regard, the MADANI Government brings a more humane and inclusive approach when the people are not seen merely as recipients of policies but as partners in building the future of the nation. With the spirit of “Rakyat Disantuni,” the government assures that no one will be left behind or marginalized in the stream of national development.
Malaysia has gone through various phases, from the colonial era to the struggle for independence, and now to the era of renewal. With the foundation of the MADANI Government rooted in values, we are able to rebuild the strength of the nation by placing the people as the core. Every individual, from Perlis to Sabah, with their diversity in race, religion, and culture, all play a role in realizing the dream of a fair, prosperous, and united Malaysia.
As August approaches each year, it is not just a historical reminder but a call for us to continue striving to do better to improve the nation for the future that we shape together. Under the leadership of the MADANI Government, we are not only building the economy and infrastructure but also building a strong, brave, and compassionate national spirit.
Happy 68th National Day, Malaysia MADANI: RAKYAT DISANTUNI.
The author is the Senior Assistant Director, National Policy Publication Division, Department of Information, Malaysia.