PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has reaffirmed the MADANI Government’s commitment to reforming public assistance delivery systems, declaring that outdated practices requiring citizens to queue for long hours to receive financial aid must be abolished in favour of more efficient and dignified digital mechanisms.
Speaking at the launch of the Pakatan Harapan election machinery for the Johor State Election at Kim’s Park Business Centre, Anwar said the continued reliance on physical queues for aid distribution was no longer acceptable in a modern, independent nation.
“I do not agree that, in 2026, the people still have to queue (to receive assistance). This is not about election politics.
“Do not treat the people as slaves… We are now independent, sovereign; the people have dignity, rights, freedom and the spirit of independence,” he said.
The Prime Minister stressed that government assistance should reflect respect for citizens’ dignity, arguing that administrative systems must evolve in line with technological progress.
Anwar said the government is now prioritising direct bank transfers for welfare programmes such as the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and school assistance schemes, ensuring that eligible recipients receive funds without unnecessary physical processes.
He questioned the continued use of traditional distribution methods when digital banking infrastructure already enables secure and direct payments.
According to him, the shift towards automated disbursement is intended to prevent unnecessary hardship and long waiting times, while reinforcing the government’s commitment to respectful and efficient service delivery.
The event was attended by senior leaders of the Unity Government, including DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke Siew Fook, PH secretary-general Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, Amanah president Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, PKR information chief Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, PKR vice-president and Johor PKR chairman Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa, Johor Amanah chairman Aminolhuda Hassan and Johor DAP chairman Teo Nie Ching.
On education policy, Anwar reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring equal access to higher education, announcing that all Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) candidates who achieve 10As and above will be guaranteed a place in the Matriculation Programme regardless of race.
He said the policy reflects recognition of academic excellence among Malaysian students and forms part of a broader effort to strengthen educational equity.
Anwar dismissed suggestions that the policy had been politically manipulated, stating that the decision was collectively agreed upon by members of the Federal Cabinet.
He also cautioned against the use of racial narratives in political discourse, urging all parties to avoid exploiting sensitive issues for electoral gain and instead focus on national development and youth empowerment.
Turning to the emergence of new political parties ahead of the Johor state election, Anwar acknowledged that political pluralism is a legitimate feature of democratic competition.
“Testing (support) is best done during elections. There are many parties, every week there is a new party (formed), each has its own right, but I want to ask what difference and uniqueness (can they bring). This is a country full of challenges (to govern),” he said.
He said voters must exercise their democratic responsibility to evaluate competing parties based on governance capability, integrity and policy substance, rather than rhetoric or divisive politics.
Anwar added that the electorate ultimately holds the power to determine a government that prioritises public welfare and national stability over abuse of power or racial mobilisation. - June 7, 2026
