MALAYSIA’S development agenda must not come at the expense of the people’s welfare or rights, asserting that progress should be grounded in principles of justice and holistic balance stressed Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today.
Speaking at the launch of the National Month and Fly the Jalur Gemilang 2025 Campaign at Dataran Tanjung Emas, in Muar, Johor, Anwar said that sustainable economic growth must benefit all layers of society — especially those most vulnerable.
“Let’s not develop while destructing. We construct buildings, industries, technologies, economic zones… but the people are oppressed, neglected. This is not true development,” he said.
Also in attendance were Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, and Director-General of the Information Department Julina Johan.
Anwar underlined the importance of equitable fiscal policies, including progressive taxation targeting high-income earners and large corporations, rather than placing financial burdens on the poor.
“We cannot tax the poor. If schools need to be repaired, where must the money come from? We impose taxes on the rich and companies making millions in profits,” he said.
He cited companies such as Petronas, Tenaga Nasional Berhad, and Maybank as examples of large corporations that should align wage policies with profitability.
“If a company makes RM1 million profit, but pays its workers RM1,500… how can? We have already raised the minimum wage from RM1,200 to RM1,500, and now to RM1,700. We will continue to do so gradually,” he added.
The prime minister also referred to the Quranic concept of ‘ummatan wasatan’ — a balanced community — explaining that real development should harmonise spiritual, intellectual, economic, and social dimensions.
“Independence is not merely a historical symbol, but it also comes with the responsibility to ensure the nation's wealth is distributed fairly and does not only benefit the elite,” he said.
In a move to directly address local needs, Anwar announced a special allocation of RM10 million to assist low-income households in Muar, which will be coordinated by the Implementation Coordination Unit (ICU) under the Prime Minister’s Department.
“I ask the ICU to coordinate this. We will add to the small but vital needs of the rakyat, especially the B40 group. We will approve RM10 million within a week or two for the people,” he announced to applause.
The prime minister said the initiative reflects the unity government’s commitment to ensuring that no community is left behind in the nation’s development — a key component of the Madani framework.
He also called on Malaysians to embrace the spirit of Merdeka by proudly flying the national flag as a symbol of unity and collective pride.
Following his speech, Anwar officiated the launch of the Kembara Merdeka Jalur Gemilang 2025 convoy. The patriotic expedition features 88 land vehicles and 66 watercraft, involving over 300 participants.
The convoy will carry the Jalur Gemilang across the nation, stopping at 88 checkpoints — including 44 in Peninsular Malaysia, 20 in Sabah, 22 in Sarawak, and two in Labuan — before concluding at Dataran Putrajaya on 31 August, the venue for this year’s National Day celebration. - July 27, 2025
