Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim calls on civil servants to proactively clarify government policies, warning public misunderstanding could fuel backlash
PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called on civil servants to play a more proactive role in explaining government policies, particularly subsidy rationalisation measures, warning that public misunderstanding could fuel unnecessary backlash.
Speaking at the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry (NRES) monthly assembly today, Anwar said many of the criticisms circulating on social media stemmed from incomplete or misleading interpretations of government data.
“Information must reach all levels. Any department head, in meetings, must explain a little.
“This is not just an economic or financial technical matter. This is our responsibility,” he said.
Anwar stressed that civil servants cannot assume fiscal or subsidy decisions are solely the domain of economists or financial officers, adding that communication gaps often distort public perception.
“If there are new requests or additional requests, there are no additional approvals because we must understand our constraints,” he said, referring to the government’s fiscal limits.
He pointed to rising subsidy costs, noting that the government had previously allocated around RM700 million per month for RON95 fuel subsidies (Budi95), which later surged to about RM5 billion monthly.
Anwar said subsidy rationalisation, including for diesel, was necessary to address leakages and smuggling, while ensuring assistance remains targeted to those who qualify.
He also cautioned against relying solely on statistical reports without ground feedback, saying real-world experiences often present a different picture of cost-of-living pressures.
“Sometimes data shows prices are controlled, but when I asked small traders on the ground, they said every week there is a slight increase. That has an impact,” he said.
Anwar said the government would continue refining its approach to balance fiscal sustainability with public welfare, while urging the civil service to help ensure accurate information reaches the public.
“We are surrounded by experts, but we must still listen to the grassroots,” he added.