PM Anwar's Announcements Signal New Pace For National Governance - Fahmi

PUTRAJAYA, Jan 5 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s announcements today are seen as setting a new pace for national governance, with a clear signal that views from all quarters, including micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and political parties, are being taken seriously and translated into action.

Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said the measures are expected to be well received, particularly by the business community, and reflect the government’s willingness to listen to industry feedback to ensure a sustainable and competitive business ecosystem.

In education, Fahmi said the government has not only increased allocations for all types of schools but also expedited approvals to improve school structures and infrastructure, accelerating project implementation.

“For G1 to G4 contractors, several processes have been simplified, and we believe these steps will directly benefit the small construction industry,” Fahmi, who is MADANI Government’s spokesperson, told reporters after the announcement at the Prime Minister’s Department monthly assembly here today.

Fahmi said improvements related to the Sales and Services Tax (SST) and the rollout of e-invoicing have also eased pressure on businesses, especially MSMEs, with the expectation that higher company revenues will translate into better returns for workers.

On cash assistance, he said the announcements of monthly Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA), a one-off RM100 SARA for All payment, and the first phase of Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR), have provided relief to the public, adding that information would be disseminated to recipients promptly.

He noted that about 96 per cent of recipients have already redeemed the RM100 SARA for All assistance, demonstrating that the use of MyKad as a distribution mechanism is efficient, well-targeted and effective in reducing leakages.

“I see this as a significant achievement, particularly for the Ministry of Finance,” he said.

Fahmi said the announcement of four key Bills to be tabled this year also underscored the MADANI Government’s institutional reform agenda, covering freedom of information, the establishment of an Ombudsman, the separation of the roles of the Attorney General and Public Prosecutor, and limiting the prime minister’s tenure to 10 years or two full terms.

He said the major decisions were agreed upon by the Cabinet, with preparatory work on the Bills to be led by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said.

“After this, Azalina will shoulder much of the work to finalise the Bills so they can be tabled when Parliament starts its new session on Jan 19.

“We expect some of the Bills to be passed before the Chinese New Year,” he said.

Fahmi added that the measures demonstrate the MADANI government’s commitment not only to easing the burden on businesses and assisting those in need, but also to building a lasting legacy of institutional reform for the country.

-- BERNAMA