Malaysia

Unity Govt partners reaffirm support for Anwar until end of term - Fahmi

The Unity Government receives a renewed vote of confidence from coalition partners Anwar moves to strengthen fiscal discipline and shield the country from mounting global economic pressures

Updated 4 months ago · Published on 20 May 2026 4:23PM

Unity Govt partners reaffirm support for Anwar until end of term - Fahmi
The federal government’s expenditure realignment programme has already achieved approximately half of its intended objectives - May 20, 2026

PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has expressed appreciation to coalition parties within the Unity Government for reaffirming their commitment to remain aligned with the administration until the end of its term, amid growing concerns over global economic instability and regional geopolitical tensions.

The message of support was conveyed during Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting, where the Prime Minister acknowledged the continued backing of key coalition allies including Barisan Nasional, Gabungan Rakyat Sabah and Gabungan Parti Sarawak.

Government spokesperson Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said the show of solidarity reflected a collective decision to prioritise national stability and public welfare over political considerations at a time of heightened economic uncertainty.

“Such commitment reflects the priority given to the interests of the people and the nation, enabling the government to fully focus on addressing economic challenges arising from the crisis in West Asia while ensuring the welfare of the rakyat continues to be protected,” Fahmi said during a post-Cabinet media briefing at Angkasapuri on Wednesday.

The renewed political backing comes as Putrajaya intensifies efforts to restructure government expenditure and improve fiscal efficiency without undermining critical public services.

According to Fahmi, the federal government’s expenditure realignment programme has already achieved approximately half of its intended objectives, with ministries adjusting spending allocations based on evolving national priorities.

He said the Prime Minister informed Cabinet ministers that the rationalisation measures had begun yielding encouraging results while maintaining the continuity of government services and development programmes.

“The prime minister also informed the Cabinet that expenditure realignment measures implemented across ministries based on current priorities had begun to show positive results without affecting service delivery or the implementation of ministry programmes.

“Priority continues to be given to strengthening frontline services, particularly in the healthcare, security and education sectors, to ensure the welfare of the people continues to be safeguarded,” Fahmi said.

However, he noted that no detailed ministry-specific breakdown of savings generated under the initiative had been disclosed during the Cabinet session.

The fiscal adjustment exercise forms part of broader government efforts to manage external economic risks arising from global instability, including rising logistics costs, commodity price fluctuations and uncertainty linked to ongoing tensions in West Asia.

Separately, the Cabinet also welcomed a new initiative by the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers to conduct a nationwide survey aimed at identifying industry-specific operational challenges faced by businesses and manufacturers.

Fahmi said the findings from the survey would provide policymakers with more accurate industry feedback, enabling the government to formulate targeted and effective economic interventions.

“The findings of the survey can help the government formulate and coordinate initiatives in a more strategic, focused and effective manner to ensure industry-related issues can be addressed comprehensively,” he said.

The survey is expected to assist Putrajaya in refining industrial policies and strengthening economic resilience as Malaysia navigates increasingly complex global trade and investment conditions while seeking to maintain investor confidence and domestic growth momentum. - May 20, 2026

Spotlight

Diary

Penang reaffirms commitment to preserve heritage sites across the state

By Ian McIntyre

Opinion

AI: A Godsend for those with dyslexia in education and careers

Malaysia

Malaysia prepares for aged nation status by 2036

Malaysia

Mentally disabled suspect remanded for 7 days over fatal hammer attack in Marang

Malaysia

Masidi urges Putrajaya to address Sabah doctor shortage in upcoming Budget 2027

Malaysia

Police rearrest motivational speaker as second woman files harassment report in Perlis

Malaysia

Anwar vows zero compromise on school safety after alleged murder of teen Irene Sofiya

Malaysia

Classmates arrested as police probe fatal assault of 16-year-old Irene Sofiya

Malaysia

Loneliness, social media drive elderly pensions into hands of cyber scammers

Malaysia

Another desperate attempt by Nadzaruddin and former Undangs

You may be interested

Malaysia

DKU calls on police, AG to investigate, prosecute those who challenged Tuanku Muhriz’s position

By Alfian Z.M. Tahir

Malaysia

Elderly man loses RM114k after being duped by fake police investigator

Malaysia

Seven-day fast-track approvals, low-interest funding to boost Indian businesses for Deepavali

Malaysia

Unhealthy air quality hits seven locations in Johor and Sarawak

Malaysia

Loneliness, social media drive elderly pensions into hands of cyber scammers

Malaysia

Classmates arrested as police probe fatal assault of 16-year-old Irene Sofiya

Malaysia

Drunk motorcyclist goes against traffic, crashes into two marathon runners

Malaysia

Drunk lorry driver arrested following fatal head-on crash that killed father and injured family