PKR deputy secretary-general Aidi Amin Yazid said the values of sacrifice and compassion associated with Eid should extend beyond religious observance and inspire broader social and economic policies.
PETALING JAYA: A senior PKR leader has called for stronger efforts to build a more egalitarian Malaysia, urging policymakers to place greater emphasis on social justice, targeted support and long-term public welfare.
In a Hari Raya Aidiladha message, PKR deputy secretary-general Aidi Amin Yazid said the values of sacrifice and compassion associated with Eid should extend beyond religious observance and inspire broader social and economic policies.
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He said the spirit of Eid served as a reminder of the importance of caring for the less fortunate and ensuring that development benefits all sections of society.
“In Malaysia, egalitarianism means ensuring dignity for all regardless of background, through inclusive policies, access to essential services and opportunities for every citizen to thrive,” he said.
Aidi argued that a society which prioritises people over privilege would strengthen social harmony and improve resilience during periods of uncertainty.
He also stressed that sacrifice should not be viewed solely as a religious practice but as a broader principle that could encourage investments in areas such as education, healthcare and social protection systems.
According to him, subsidies should be structured around actual needs and long-term welfare considerations rather than functioning merely as tools to subsidise consumption.
He said a balanced approach was needed, adding that while certain subsidies were important in ensuring access to essential goods and services for vulnerable communities, others could potentially distort incentives and create unsustainable dependencies.
“The aim is to protect the vulnerable, empower aspiration and avoid rewarding complacency,” he said.
Aidi also cautioned against relying on simplistic income classifications in policymaking, saying such approaches often fail to capture broader realities such as cost-of-living differences, regional disparities and access to social necessities.
He said policies should incorporate more nuanced assessments that consider factors including housing, healthcare access, education and social capital.
The statement also touched on broader economic concerns, with Aidi warning that excessive wealth concentration could weaken social cohesion and undermine sustainable economic growth.
He advocated transparent welfare systems and targeted social assistance programmes capable of reducing inequality while preserving opportunities for enterprise and upward mobility.
On governance, he said public institutions and leaders should embrace frugality and prudent resource management, describing accountability and responsible stewardship as important elements in maintaining public trust.
“Just as families strive to live within their means, public institutions should prioritise essential needs and sustainable growth,” he said.
Aidi also highlighted lessons from recent global challenges, including the Covid-19 pandemic and ongoing geopolitical tensions affecting energy supplies, saying such developments highlighted the need for resilient public systems and stronger international cooperation.
He also expressed hope for a more united Malaysia and a fairer global community guided by the values of compassion and shared responsibility.
