Unity Government’s record allows for greater cost-of-living relief - Anwar

PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has announced that the government will increase Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) payments in the near future, saying additional assistance is necessary as many Malaysians continue to face cost-of-living pressures despite the country's improving economic performance. Speaking during the Jelajah Kekal HARAPAN campaign rally in Paroi, Anwar said the enhancement would form part of the MADANI Government's continued efforts to ease the financial burden on households while appealing to voters to return Pakatan Harapan (PH) to power in Negeri Sembilan under Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun. "God willing, in the near future, we will increase SARA assistance for all the people. Together with Negeri Sembilan, we want Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun to remain the Menteri Besar of Negeri Sembilan. “When it comes to governing, we must stop the practice of plundering public funds and stop treating state assets as personal property. That must end. Let us show that Malay leaders can serve with integrity and look after the welfare of the people," Anwar said. Anwar acknowledged that although the government had introduced numerous initiatives, including Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA), they had yet to fully resolve the financial challenges faced by ordinary Malaysians. "The economy is growing and oil prices have fallen, yet we continue to be attacked with slander. The cost of living remains high, and that is why I made the announcement in Ipoh. “I said that although we have provided STR and SARA, and although Datuk Seri Aminuddin has given a substantial bonus to civil servants in Negeri Sembilan, has that solved all the problems? Not yet. “When I discussed this a month ago, I made the announcement in Perak because the people's problems still exist. We have listened, and we understand," he said. The Prime Minister also dismissed claims that political competition in the Negeri Sembilan state election had undermined the federal administration, insisting that the Unity Government remained stable and committed to preserving economic growth and investor confidence. "The Unity Government is stable, the economy is expanding and investments continue to flow in. While there may be political competition at the state level, the federal government remains united, and God willing, it will remain so until the next general election. “I attended the Cabinet meeting with Mat Sabu (Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu), Anthony Loke and Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi as usual. Only God knows what is in each person's heart. “Nevertheless, I support maintaining this unity because many countries have faltered when their economies became unstable and their politics descended into instability. When investors stay away, it is the people who suffer," he said. Highlighting the Negeri Sembilan administration, Anwar praised Aminuddin's leadership and rejected allegations that Pakatan Harapan had failed to protect Malay interests, saying the issue had never been raised during internal leadership discussions over the past three and a half years. “I have been patient and have sought solutions through consultation. During elections, others may seek different political alignments, but the claim that Pakatan Harapan has failed to defend Malay interests is simply untrue. In the past three and a half years, I have never heard such an allegation. “I meet the party leadership three or four times every week, and no one has ever raised the issue. If the position of the Malays was genuinely under threat, surely someone would have informed me. The reality is that this is not the issue. The real objective is to seize Negeri Sembilan," Anwar affirmed. He said Pakatan Harapan would not compromise in its determination to retain the state government and uphold clean, accountable governance. "I will not compromise when it comes to upholding justice in this state. I want to serve the people, I want the people to support me, and I want Malay leaders who do not steal public money," he said. Deputy Pakatan Harapan chairman Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, PH election director Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari and Negeri Sembilan PH chairman Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun were among those present. Separately, Anwar reaffirmed that Malaysia would continue to prohibit Israeli citizens from entering the country despite criticism from eight members of the United States Congress, saying the policy reflected Malaysia's sovereign right and had been in place for decades. "Several members of the United States Congress have criticised me over Malaysia's decision to prohibit the entry of Israeli citizens into the country and into our companies. Clearly, they have not followed the developments. Many countries have imposed similar restrictions, and Malaysia has maintained this policy for decades. They are now using this opportunity to threaten both me and Malaysia, while urging the United States Government to take action," he said. He said Malaysia's position was based on its opposition to Israel's actions against the Palestinian people. "How can elected representatives from their country ignore the killing of children, civilians and women, the destruction of homes and the occupation of another people's land, yet remain silent? Malaysia is an independent and sovereign nation. Even if those making such statements are not free to speak openly, we are free to express our views.” “They may issue threats, but I will firmly defend the rights of the Malaysian people and uphold the decision of Malaysians to continue prohibiting the entry of any Israeli citizen into Malaysia," he said. Asked whether the issue could affect bilateral relations with the United States, Anwar said it should not, as Washington had long been aware of Malaysia's policy. "The United States has known about Malaysia's policy for decades, so I do not believe it should affect our bilateral relations. We continue to welcome American citizens, businesses, trade and investments. We will maintain good relations with the United States, just as we do with other countries. “However, it is impossible for us to remain silent or be afraid to speak out against the killing of innocent people, including those in Palestine and Gaza," he said. - July 23, 2026