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Ahead of the unveiling of Budget 2025 on Oct 18, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has been framing various government policies in terms of class warfare instead of race, namely, that ultra-rich Malaysians should not continue enjoying privileges at the expense of the poor.
This narrative has been applied to its plans to remove fuel subsidies, target higher education subsidies and raise taxes.
Cutting subsidies for the cheapest RON95 petrol will cause most pain to higher-income earners, who mainly comprise non-Malays in urban areas that make up the core of PM Anwar’s support. But framing these moves as redistributive gives these voters less room to complain that their communities are being targeted, while keeping the Malay Muslim majority at ease.
Meanwhile, the first week of the Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) regime saw some teething issues, with Singapore drivers staying home as enforcement kicked off. Transport Minister Anthony Loke has assured motorists they can still enter Johor without a VEP, and only those who have not applied for the tag will receive written warnings. Traffic is expected to return to normal soon, especially with companies providing “skip the queue” services for those loath to navigate the application process.
Follow ST’s coverage as we continue to bring you the latest developments.
PM Anwar reframes policies on class, shifting from racial lenses
The move could avoid alienating the Malay majority as well as his core support of Chinese progressives.
Stronger ringgit and softer oil prices position Malaysia to phase out fuel subsidies
The rise would be manageable for consumers if the RON95 petrol price is floated now, said an analyst.
‘Weirdly quiet’: Fewer Singaporeans in JB after VEP rule kicked in, say businesses there
Shops and eateries were less crowded, but Singaporeans who were there said things will be back to normal soon.
Johor’s change to Saturday-Sunday weekend a better fit for families and businesses
They said this will benefit those who commute to Singapore for work, among other positives.
Indonesia, Malaysia applaud EU’s proposal to delay anti-deforestation law by a year
Green activists see the delay as a blow to efforts to slow climate change and biodiversity loss.
S’porean man in Malaysia pleads not guilty to false prophet claims
The 60-year-old allegedly told two men his body could channel the holy spirits of Islamic prophets.