AARON: GOVT REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO SOCIAL JUSTICE, INCLUSIVE GROWTH

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 20 (Bernama) -- The MADANI Government today reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing social development and advancing social justice to ensure inclusive growth and equitable opportunities for all Malaysians, in conjunction with the World Day of Social Justice.

National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang said this year’s theme, “Renewed Commitment to Social Development and Social Justice,” reflects the government’s determination to leave no one behind as the nation progresses.

He added that a nation’s prosperity should not be measured solely by Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth, but by how equitably wealth and opportunities are shared among its people.

“When access to education, employment, housing, healthcare and social protection is widely enjoyed, there will be stability, public confidence and social harmony,” he said in a Facebook post today.

Aaron noted that social justice is closely tied to national unity, as reflected in the National Unity Index, where governance and development serve as key indicators for evaluating economic management, public services, and community administration.

“When governance is transparent and inclusive, and development is felt fairly by all walks of life, then unity will become stronger,” he added.

In line with this, Aaron said the MADANI Government continues to adopt a whole-of-government approach, involving coordinated efforts across ministries and agencies to translate social justice into concrete policies and actions.

Among the initiatives highlighted were Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) to ease the cost of living; BUDI95, a targeted fuel subsidy initiative; and the Gig Workers Bill 2025, passed to provide a clearer and more equitable social protection framework for gig economy workers.

He also cited the National Social Policy 2030, which coordinates 44 social policies across 19 ministries, focusing on basic needs, individual potential, social support systems and social responsibility.

Other measures include the i-Lindung initiative under the Employees Provident Fund (EPF), which allows members to use part of their savings for insurance and takaful coverage, as well as the Self-Employment Social Security Scheme (SKSPS), which protects self-employed individuals against accidents and income loss.

Aaron said initiatives such as the Anti-Bullying Bill 2025, the People’s Residency Programme (PPR) and the Zero Abandoned Project 2030 further demonstrate the government’s commitment to social justice.

“Let us together renew our commitment to strengthening social justice, building citizens' welfare, and strengthening national unity. With collective efforts, we can make Malaysia a fair, inclusive and harmonious country for current and future generations,” he said.

-- BERNAMA