By Ahmad Nizam Che Kasim

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim recently unveiled a landmark initiative under his MADANI agenda. The Sejahtera MADANI programme, launched on July 24, aims to sustain and deepen support for nearly 150,000 households that have recently exited hardcore poverty.

This effort is complemented by a historic one-time RM100 credit for every adult Malaysian starting Aug 31, along with the subsidised RON95 fuel at RM1.99 per litre.

These measures show a government that is responsive to the people’s needs and firmly committed to partnering with the corporate sector to uplift the rakyat.

This new phase builds upon previous achievements and strengthens the MADANI principles of inclusivity, compassion, and good governance.

While some ASEAN countries face growing risks due to shrinking aid, Malaysia has proven that strong leadership, sound economic planning, and social responsibility can build lasting national resilience.

More caring society

During challenging times, Malaysia did not merely weather the storm. Under Anwar’s leadership, the country advanced toward a fairer and more caring society.

Between 2023 and 2025, many ASEAN nations struggled with declining foreign assistance and shifting priorities among global donors. In contrast, Malaysia emerged as a beacon of resilience and responsible governance.

Guided by Prime Minister Anwar and the MADANI administration, Malaysia showed that it could manage economic uncertainties while still protecting its citizens through focused and well-planned aid programmes.

Unlike other regional nations that depended heavily on grants and international support, Malaysia’s strength came from its ability to manage its own finances wisely.

The MADANI framework emphasised values such as empathy, inclusivity, and sustainable development. At a time when development finance in Southeast Asia was levelling off or being reduced, Malaysia worked to build its own capacity and enhance social safety nets.

In 2023 and 2024, while some ASEAN countries experienced pressure on their health and education sectors due to reduced donor funding, Malaysia responded by increasing national budget allocations in these areas.

Prioritising people’s needs

The Belanjawan 2023 and Belanjawan 2024 budgets were widely praised for prioritising the needs of the rakyat.

These included direct financial aid to low-income households through the Bantuan Tunai Rahmah programme, fuel subsidies, and efforts to bridge the digital divide for students and entrepreneurs.

Prime Minister Anwar’s administration also took important steps to protect the most vulnerable. Initiatives such as improving the eKasih database, supporting gig economy workers, and widening financial access through digital banking reflected a deep awareness of the public’s needs in a changing economy.

Most notably, while lower-income ASEAN countries began to feel the impact of donor withdrawal, Malaysia continued to support rural and underserved communities.

Investments in public healthcare and targeted funding for small and medium enterprises helped shield the economy from global inflation and supply disruptions.

As international aid began to retreat by 2025, Malaysia offered a powerful example. It proved that sustained, inclusive support must come from within.

Prime Minister Anwar’s vision has not only brought stability but also strengthened Malaysia’s standing as a regional leader in equitable and people-centred governance.

-- BERNAMA

Ahmad Nizam Che Kasim is a lecturer with the Faculty of Business and Communication, Universiti Malaysia Perlis.