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PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has reaffirmed the government's commitment to easing cost-of-living pressures through targeted assistance and subsidy reforms, positioning social protection measures as a key pillar of Malaysia's strategy to navigate an increasingly volatile global environment.
Speaking at the investiture ceremony held in conjunction with the official birthday celebrations of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia on Monday, Anwar said Putrajaya would continue refining support mechanisms to ensure vulnerable groups receive assistance while safeguarding the country's long-term economic stability.
The Prime Minister said Malaysia faces a complex mix of challenges, including global economic uncertainty, climate-related risks, rapid technological transformation driven by artificial intelligence and evolving geopolitical tensions.
Against that backdrop, he said the government would continue introducing policies designed to protect households, strengthen resilience and sustain growth.
Efforts to address rising living costs, he said, include ongoing fiscal reforms, the implementation of the targeted RON95 fuel subsidy mechanism and the expansion of assistance programmes under the Budi Madani initiative.
He also assured Malaysians that the government would continue improving access to healthcare and education, describing both sectors as essential to ensuring inclusive national development.
Despite the uncertain global outlook, Anwar expressed confidence in Malaysia's economic performance, pointing to stronger domestic and foreign investment inflows, low unemployment levels and increasing confidence among international investors as evidence that the country's economic fundamentals remain sound.
He said the government's reform agenda was beginning to generate broader benefits through support for small and medium-sized enterprises, efforts to modernise the economy through digitalisation and the creation of higher-quality employment opportunities, particularly for younger Malaysians entering the workforce.
Anwar also used the occasion to underline his administration's commitment to governance reforms, stating that strengthening democratic institutions and upholding the rule of law remained central priorities.
The Prime Minister said these efforts were consistent with Sultan Ibrahim's repeated emphasis on good governance and the need to prevent wealth and opportunity from becoming concentrated among a privileged minority.
He stressed that government policies would continue to focus on ensuring a fairer distribution of economic opportunities and development benefits, particularly for lower-income groups and communities that have historically been left behind.
Paying tribute to Sultan Ibrahim's role as Head of State, Anwar expressed gratitude for His Majesty's guidance under Malaysia's constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democratic system.
He said the government would continue carrying out its responsibilities with dedication under the King's patronage while promoting national unity and collective purpose as essential foundations for the country's future progress.
Describing Sultan Ibrahim as a symbol of unity, stability and national dignity, Anwar also conveyed his prayers for Their Majesties to be blessed with continued good health, wisdom and strength in carrying out their constitutional duties. - June 2, 2026
