PM Wants Policies Implemented To Benefit Not Burden The People - Fahmi

KUALA LUMPUR, July 21 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim stressed that every policy implemented by the government must benefit the people and not burden the majority, said Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil.

Fahmi, who is also the MADANI Government spokesperson, said this included the implementation of the policy related to targeted subsidy of RON95 fuel which was previously expected to be implemented in the second half of this year, but is currently still being reviewed.

He said the government needs to ensure that every policy goes through a careful channeling mechanism to avoid knock-on effects on the prices of goods and services, as has been considered in the implementation of targeted diesel subsidy and the expansion of the scope of Sales and Services Tax (SST).

“The Prime Minister has expressed his view that he does not want the implementation of policies that will have a negative impact on the majority of the people. The same applies to policies that have not been implemented but have been proposed or mentioned before regarding RON95.

“The Prime Minister has touched on this matter in a previous meeting with Members of Parliament and he (Anwar) intends to ensure that it does not have a negative impact on the people and it is being refined,” he said at a weekly press conference at Parliament building here today.

In May, Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan said the rationalisation of RON95 subsidy would be implemented in the second half of 2025, by ensuring that the groups that will receive the subsidy support are accurately identified.

Regarding the Ukhuwah MADANI Government Leadership Programme held in conjunction with the retreat of members of the administration and members of Parliament yesterday, Fahmi said the Prime Minister and the Cabinet hoped that such programmes could be implemented from time to time to strengthen communication between members of Parliament and the administration.

He said the programme had succeeded in strengthening the spirit of camaraderie among elected representatives and provided the administration with the space to convey information on preparations ahead of the Parliament session.

“Apart from fostering the spirit of camaraderie and ukhuwah among members of Parliament from various backgrounds, states and parties, (this retreat also allows) issues regarding preparations for the Parliament session to be discussed, including bills and several matters leading towards the tabling of the 13th Malaysia Plan (MP13),” he said.

Commenting on the road accident involving students of Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) in Gerik on June 9, Fahmi said the Transport Ministry would announce details of a more planned, structured and comprehensive enforcement mechanism soon.

He said the Transport Ministry is looking into not only the incident specifically but also bus drivers in general to ensure they drive safely and that no untoward incident occurred.

Meanwhile, touching on the establishment of the National Cultural Council under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Fahmi said the Prime Minister had asked all relevant ministries to cooperate in efforts to strengthen the country's culture and creative economy.

"This council also touched on the orange economy aspect which involves the creative economy... there are several matters under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Communications which we will also work on to help implement the views and advice of the National Cultural Council," he said.

-- BERNAMA