Anwar vows to fight graft, carry out economic reforms as PKR turns 25

PM pledges help for all on anniversary of his party, saying subsidy cuts will save billions

- Hazlin Hassan

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim told his party faithful on April 21 that his government is committed to fighting corruption and carrying out economic reforms, brushing aside criticism that he has compromised his reform agenda.

Speaking at a congress to mark the 25th anniversary of the founding of his People's Justice Party, or Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR), he

pledged to continue helping all Malaysians, regardless of race, and said measures taken by his administration, including a plan to roll out targeted fuel subsidies, would save the nation billions of ringgit.

"We subsidise petrol and diesel every day, benefiting everyone, even those with Rolls-Royces...

This (targeted fuel subsidies) has been discussed for decades but previous governments dare not do it for fear of becoming unpopular.

This government dares to do it to save the nation's economy," said Datuk Seri Anwar, to cheers.

After taking power in November 2022, Mr Anwar's administration said it would remove blanket subsidies on fuel, electricity and poultry. In November 2023, it removed chicken subsidies. It has said it will cut petrol subsidies in the second half of 2024.

Mr Anwar said he had saved the country RM1 billion (S$285 million) in 2023 by halting subsidies for the poultry industry. He said targeted fuel subsidies would save billions by preventing foreigners and the wealthy from benefiting.