DESPITE numerous challenges, the MADANI administration led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has successfully steered Malaysia toward greater national progress, supported by a dedicated Cabinet, civil servants, and citizenry.
Entering its third year, the government has marked its tenure with achievements spanning economic reform, social welfare, and international diplomacy.
Domestically, the government has prioritised the welfare of citizens by tackling the rising cost of living, combating corruption, and restructuring the economic foundation to better navigate global economic and geopolitical challenges.
Among its notable programmes, the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) cash assistance initiative has been expanded to 5.4 million recipients, including 700,000 eKasih beneficiaries and 4.7 million recipients of Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR).
The 2025 Budget increased allocations for STR and SARA to RM13 billion, raising the annual cash assistance per recipient to RM2,100 from RM1,200 last year.
Other measures include the BUDI MADANI RON95 scheme, allowing all Malaysians aged 16 and above with valid driving licences to purchase up to 300 litres of subsidised petrol per month, as well as Bantuan Awal Persekolahan (BAP) of RM150 for students from Year One to Form Four.
The administration has also implemented the Sistem Saraan Perkhidmatan Awam (SSPA) for civil servants and enforced the 2024 Minimum Wage Order in the private sector, increasing the minimum wage from RM1,200 to RM1,700 through two stages.
Farmers have benefited from the government’s intervention, with the Minimum Rice Purchase Price set at RM1,500 for 2025 and the Rice Subsidy Scheme increased to RM500 in 2023.
The government’s outreach through the Program MADANI Rakyat ensures transparency in policy and initiatives while providing direct services across the country.
Academics have highlighted the crucial role of political stability in these achievements. Professor Datuk Dr Sivamurugan Pandian from Universiti Sains Malaysia emphasised that MADANI’s successes stem from the stability achieved after a period of political turbulence that saw three prime ministers succeed one another in quick succession.
“With the political stability under the MADANI Government, the Prime Minister and his Cabinet can focus on economic, social, and international matters, as well as the fight against corruption,” he said.
Similarly, Professor Datuk Dr Awang Azman Awang Pawi of Universiti Malaya noted that fiscal discipline and targeted subsidy reforms, such as adjustments to diesel and RON95, have redirected resources back to public welfare and national development.
On the international front, MADANI has actively championed humanitarian issues, including advocacy for Gaza at global platforms and through Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship, engaging directly with figures such as U.S. President Donald Trump.
The administration concluded ASEAN 2025 by facilitating the Kuala Lumpur Peace Agreement between Cambodia and Thailand and welcoming Timor-Leste as ASEAN’s 11th member.
Malaysia also participated in the Global Sumud Flotilla, providing humanitarian aid to Gaza, and successfully secured the release of 23 Malaysian activists detained by Israeli authorities, demonstrating effective cross-border diplomacy.
Geostrategy expert Professor Dr Azmi Hassan commended Malaysia’s principled diplomacy under Anwar, noting that the Prime Minister’s interventions on international matters, including Gaza and ASEAN initiatives, have enhanced Malaysia’s regional profile.
“Malaysia’s voice is clear, firm, and consistent. This strengthens international perceptions of the country’s stability and principles,” he said.
Anwar’s leadership has also received international recognition. He was ranked the 10th most influential Muslim globally in the 2026 edition of The World’s 500 Most Influential Muslims, up from 15th in 2025, and received the 2025 Global Islamic Finance Award (GIFA), highlighting his role in positioning Malaysia as a global leader in Islamic finance.
Since taking office as Malaysia’s 10th Prime Minister on 24 November 2022 and introducing Malaysia MADANI on 19 January 2023, Anwar Ibrahim’s administration has combined domestic reforms, social welfare expansion, and active international engagement to restore the nation’s prestige and influence on the world stage. - November 23, 2025
