MALAYSIA has emerged as one of the few nations in the world on the verge of eliminating extreme poverty, following the implementation of targeted and inclusive policies under the MADANI government.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the country’s extreme poverty rate now stands at just 0.09 per cent, a figure he described as a testament to the government’s holistic programmes designed to ensure no community is left behind.
He cited initiatives such as the Adopted Village programme, Adopted School programme and the SejaTi MADANI Community Well-being Programme, all of which are closely monitored by the Deputy Prime Minister and Cabinet ministers, as instrumental in preventing social groups from slipping through the cracks.
“Malaysia is now recognised globally for its success in virtually ending extreme poverty. Unlike the United States or European countries, which still see large numbers of their citizens living on the streets, Malaysia is fortunate that extreme poverty has been reduced to merely 0.09 per cent,” he said.
Anwar made the remarks while delivering the keynote address at the Rancakkan MADANI Bersama Malaysiaku programme at Dataran Putrajaya. Also present were Deputy Prime Ministers Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof; Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar; and Director-General of Public Service Tan Sri Wan Ahmad Dahlan Abd Aziz.
The Prime Minister also congratulated the Chief Secretary to the Government for overseeing the three-day programme, which aimed to showcase the achievements of MADANI initiatives over the past three years.
He added that Malaysia’s third-quarter economic growth stands at 5.2 per cent—among the strongest in the region.
“This is Malaysia, a modest nation with a population of about 34.5 million, yet our cumulative trade has reached RM2.235 trillion. It is an impressive and encouraging achievement.”
Book Royalties to Help Less Fortunate
Separately, Anwar today launched his latest book, ‘Rethinking Ourselves: Justice, Reform and Ignorance in Postnormal Times’, a 240-page work exploring the challenges of an era defined by uncertainty and volatility—referred to as the Postnormal Times—and urging readers to rethink their approaches to navigating such complexities.
During the launch in Bukit Jalil, he announced that all proceeds from book royalties will be channelled directly to students from low-income families.
“I want to announce today that every sen of royalty from this book will be spent to assist poor students. Every sen will go straight to them,” he said.
Anwar also expressed his appreciation to the publisher for producing the book and offering discounted prices for purchasers. The Prime Minister later signed more than 50 copies for early buyers.
The book compiles Anwar’s reflections on social justice, reform, and the broader challenges confronting society in the post normal age. - December 7, 2025
