PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has revealed that a significant announcement, described as an “extraordinary gesture” of appreciation for the people, is expected to be made on Tuesday or Wednesday this week.
Speaking at the monthly assembly of the Prime Minister’s Department (JPM), Anwar said additional time was needed to finalise the details of the announcement, which comes in the wake of the Unity Government’s policy retreat held in Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan.
“That retreat was about clarifying government policies, but also listening to public views and grievances. These concerns prompted me to consider certain changes and announcements that are necessary to ease their demands,” he said.
“I mentioned that within a day or two I will need to make an announcement—whether in the form of additional measures or otherwise—but it needs further examination,” Anwar explained.
On 19 July in Bukit Mertajam, Penang, the Prime Minister had hinted that the upcoming gesture would focus on government efforts to address the mounting cost-of-living challenges faced by ordinary Malaysians.
Anwar acknowledged a perceived disconnect between federal-level policy planning and the realities experienced on the ground, despite best efforts by the government.
“When we plan, we think we’ve done our best. But sometimes grassroots feedback paints a different picture. There seems to be a disconnect—partly politicised, partly disinformation, but some of it is valid and deserves attention,” he said.
Responding to public criticism over the Sales and Services Tax (SST) and new base electricity tariffs, Anwar rejected the notion that these had burdened the rakyat, calling the narrative of “rising tariffs, rising taxes” a distortion of the facts.
“I asked, are you representing the ordinary rakyat or the tycoons? Some large industries have complained, but 85 percent of the population is exempt from these increases,” he said.
The Prime Minister clarified that the revised electricity tariff implemented by Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) targets high-profit industries and does not affect domestic consumers. In fact, he said, the majority of users are seeing reduced electricity costs.
“The revised tariff actually brought down overall electricity costs by 19 percent, from 55.95 sen to 45.40 sen per kilowatt-hour. If you compare your bill to the previous month, the rate is now lower,” Anwar said.
He added that users who shift their consumption to off-peak hours can further benefit from reduced rates.
“This is the fact: the cost of electricity has not gone up. It has gone down,” he reiterated. - July 21, 2025
