Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar said that the government plans to increase the allocation for the 'Compassion Aid Fund' (STR) and 'Compassion Basic Aid Fund (SARA)' by 30% next year, amounting to 3 billion ringgit, bringing the total to 13 billion ringgit.
He expressed gratitude for this year's additional allocation of 10 billion ringgit for the 'Compassion Aid Fund' (STR) and 'Compassion Basic Aid Fund (SARA)', noting it as the largest allocation in history.
Anwar mentioned this during his New Year's Eve message for 2025, delivered on Sunday (31st).
“Besides increasing the annual aid, the government is actively addressing the issue of rising living costs through the nationwide 'Compassion Umbrella (Payung Rahmah)' program, while deploying supervisory teams to take action against arbitrary price hikes.”
Anwar also stated that the unexpected severe flood issues must be addressed properly.
He assured that work is ongoing in each state to ensure aid is delivered promptly to affected communities, while federal and state government agencies collaborate with local authorities to carry out recovery and aid operations.
“To mitigate the adverse effects of such disasters, the government has long-established sustainable emergency preparedness plans. God willing, we will be able to protect more lives and minimize property losses.”
He added that apart from focusing on basic infrastructure such as roads, highways, and public facilities, the government's development expenditure will prioritize flood prevention projects in high-risk areas, despite the significant financial implications.
2024 of Historical Significance Anwar: Laying the Groundwork for Malaysia's National Reform Agenda
Anwar stated that 2024 is a historically significant year, laying the groundwork and foundation for Malaysia's national reform agenda.
As the finance minister, Anwar stated that since the beginning of the year, the government has demonstrated clear political determination, with sincere intentions and rigorous assessment, driving a series of transformative efforts to ensure that the policies implemented benefit the majority of the people.
He mentioned that the launch of the Prosperous Economic Framework on July 27, 2023, is an important milestone, providing clear direction for re-establishing Malaysia's position as a leading economy in the Asian region.
“More critically, the Prosperous Economic Framework provides guidance for leadership and future generations, promoting the establishment of an economic system based on humanitarian principles, compassion, and justice, ensuring that every Malaysian citizen can enjoy fair treatment.
“For example, the diesel subsidy plan and earlier electricity tariff measures promoted by the Prosperous Government aim to resolve the longstanding issue of substantial subsidy wastage, which originally benefited a very small wealthy class and foreigners, yet left 3.5 million people unable to enjoy their rightful subsidies.”
He acknowledged that not all government decisions and policies can be immediately welcomed or have instant effects.
Malaysia to Chair ASEAN Next Year Anwar: A Major Task in Redefining ASEAN's Role
Anwar pointed out that our country will chair ASEAN next year. The current complex global situation requires ASEAN to redefine its role and direction, which becomes a significant task for our country.
He stated that during the chairmanship, our country will proceed with the theme 'Inclusion and Sustainability', integrating all forces to ensure continuous development, narrowing the gaps, addressing poverty, and problems facing marginalized groups, ensuring shared prosperity among ASEAN countries, leaving no region or group neglected.
He said, therefore, we must jointly pursue excellence, striving to find methods to achieve excellence. Before exploring regional and international markets, it is essential to first ensure good governance within the country, eradicating waste and corruption to earn respect as a sovereign independent nation. This is the nation's glory and an opportunity to create a new chapter in facing regional and global challenges, such as addressing the massacres, atrocities, oppression, and colonial issues in places like Gaza.