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By Mihar Dias October 2025
Our Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, has once again proven that leadership means leading by example — and, apparently, by petrol pump.
At a recent Ministry of Finance assembly, Anwar proudly declared that he pays RM2.60 per litre for RON95, even though he qualifies for the subsidised RM1.99 price. “I could get it cheaper,” he said, “but I choose not to.” https://www.bikesrepublic.com/english/pm-says-he-pays-rm2-60-for-ron95-petrol/
Somewhere, a Petronas cashier probably clapped.
Let’s be clear: the man deserves applause. Not for fiscal prudence or macroeconomic wizardry — but for resisting the temptation to save 61 sen per litre. Malaysians are now expected to draw deep moral lessons from this act of petrol abstinence. Forget Gandhi’s spinning wheel — we have PMX’s petrol pump.
This, he says, is proof that his government is “ensuring subsidies are targeted to those who truly need them.” https://www.bikesrepublic.com/english/pm-says-he-pays-rm2-60-for-ron95-petrol/
In other words, if you can afford it, don’t take what’s yours. One wonders whether this new policy will extend to toll booths, electricity bills, and perhaps nasi lemak — should the PM ever feel the need to “reflect social justice” through breakfast choices.
Imagine the scene: a humble finance ministry staffer at the petrol station, nervously eyeing the Prime Minister filling up his Lexus SUV. “Boss, you can tap the BUDI95 card.”
But Anwar, squinting nobly at the horizon, replies: “No, I must pay full price — for the rakyat.”
A small tear rolls down the staffer’s cheek. The nation is saved.
Meanwhile, the rest of us mere mortals still queue at petrol stations praying that the ‘System Offline’ sign doesn’t appear on the subsidy pump. Because, for many, that 61 sen is the difference between a full tank and an empty wallet.
To be fair, PMX is right that subsidies should be better targeted. But the symbolism here feels a little… performative.
When the man who decides the subsidy scheme voluntarily refuses it, it’s less an act of sacrifice and more a public sermon on thrift delivered by someone who doesn’t really need to count coins at the end of the month.
Anwar also reminded us that removing the chicken subsidy saved the government RM1 billion a year — “without affecting market price stability.” https://www.bikesrepublic.com/english/pm-says-he-pays-rm2-60-for-ron95-petrol/
That’s news to many Malaysians who now eye ayam goreng like it’s a luxury item on a fine-dining menu.
Still, one can’t fault him for trying to moralise economic policy.
In an age where politicians are caught with gold bars or court cases, we now have a Prime Minister whose great vice is paying too much for petrol.
Somewhere in the Putrajaya corridors, they’re probably engraving a plaque:
“Here stands a leader who rejected 61 sen of subsidy — for the nation.”
Perhaps this will inspire a new national campaign: “Jom Bayar Lebih Demi Integriti.”
Next time you’re at the pump, remember — every sen you overpay is a step toward fiscal holiness.
So yes, PMX pays full price for petrol and we, the rakyat, pay full price for symbolism.
Mihar Dias (mihardias@gmail.com) is a content creator under the Newswav Creator programme, where you get to express yourself, be a citizen journalist, and at the same time monetize your content & reach millions of users on Newswav. Log in to creator.newswav.com and become a Newswav Creator now!
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