Protest is not a solution
The organisers claim to speak for the rakyat, to defend the nation, and to hold power to account. But a simple question must be asked: what exactly is being saved, and from whom?
Public dissatisfaction exists. No honest leadership would deny that.
The cost of living continues to rise. Prices of essential goods have gone up. Fuel, including diesel and RON95, remains burdensome. Tariffs strain households. Wages remain flat while competition in the job market intensifies.
These are legitimate concerns, but none of them can be resolved by removing the head of government midway through a challenging term.
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Malay Mail
26 minutes ago
- Malay Mail
Teo Nie Ching: RM100 SARA aid via MyKad ensures transparency and direct benefits
KUALA LUMPUR, July 23 — The one-off RM100 cash assistance to be disbursed to all Malaysian adults through MyKad under the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) programme is a targeted approach that ensures transparency so that the aid reaches the people directly, said Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching. She said the mechanism allows every Malaysian aged 18 and above to use the assistance to purchase essential items while preventing unnecessary or harmful spending. 'I believe SARA has clear benefits as it can be used specifically for purchasing basic necessities, and not for buying cigarettes, alcohol, or other non-essential items. 'So with the aid channelled through MyKad, I think this initiative can truly benefit all Malaysians aged 18 and above,' she said in a phone interview with Bernama Radio today. Teo said this in response to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's special announcement on the initiative in conjunction with the National Day 2025, which involves an allocation of RM2 billion and will benefit over 22 million of the country's population. Meanwhile, Teo also welcomed the doubling of the Rahmah Madani Sales programme allocation from RM300 million to RM600 million this year, which she said would allow more people, especially those in the B40 group, to access essential goods at lower prices. 'Prices at Rahmah Madani Sales are incredibly affordable. For instance, I recently visited one in my area last weekend, and a pack of instant noodles was sold at RM3.70, while in regular supermarkets it's at least RM4 or more, sometimes even reaching RM5. 'We also saw eggs and many other necessities being sold at very low prices. So I believe this expansion will greatly benefit more communities, especially in the B40 group,' she said. Teo also lauded the government's plan to set the price of RON95 petrol at RM1.99 per litre through a fuel subsidy targeting mechanism. 'This new RON95 price of RM1.99 per litre is excellent news for all Malaysians. It also ensures a clear distinction between locals and foreigners, where only Malaysians enjoy the subsidised rate. Foreign nationals should not benefit from our government's fuel subsidies. With this move, all Malaysians stand to benefit,' she said. Earlier today, Anwar announced several key initiatives as part of the Madani Government's appreciation for the people, including a one-off RM100 SARA aid via MyKad for all Malaysian adults, postponement of toll rate hikes for 10 highways, and a lower subsidised RON95 petrol price of RM1.99 per litre. — Bernama
Free Malaysia Today
31 minutes ago
- Free Malaysia Today
Immunity is for the fearful and guilty, Dr M tells Anwar
Former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad (left) slammed Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim for acting as 'judge and prosecutor' in the matter. PETALING JAYA : 'I do not need to be given immunity due to my age', former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad has told Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim after the Cabinet refused to take action against him over his role in the Batu Puteh issue. In a post on X today, Mahathir said he should be taken to court to be proven guilty given the accusations. 'The one who judged me as guilty was Anwar. The one who said no action needs to be taken against me was also Anwar. 'He said I was not charged, despite being guilty, as I am 100 years old. This means I have been given immunity. 'I know I am not guilty, and I want to prove it. Immunity is for those afraid of going to court because they know they are guilty,' he said. Yesterday, Anwar noted that a royal commission of inquiry (RCI) last year had found it likely that Mahathir had deliberately influenced the Cabinet to discontinue review applications regarding Batu Puteh's sovereignty in 2018, despite the views of international consultants who said the applications had a reasonable likelihood of success. The RCI recommended that a police report be lodged against Mahathir, saying a criminal investigation could be initiated under Section 415(b) of the Penal Code for cheating. 'Was he not wrong? He was wrong. Should we take action? The Cabinet agreed not to. We made a decision because it involved a former prime minister who is 100 years old,' Anwar said in the Dewan Rakyat. Mahathir lambasted Anwar for acting as 'judge and prosecutor' in the matter. 'Such is his great power. But the constitution does not say that the prime minister can be a prosecutor or judge,' he said.
Barnama
an hour ago
- Barnama
PM's Announcement Wins Praise, Exceeds Expectations
KUALA LUMPUR, July 23 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's announcement of a one-off RM100 cash assistance for Malaysians aged 18 and above under the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiative is seen as exceeding expectations, particularly for individuals who were previously ineligible for the aid. In KEDAH, housewife Syazwani Ahmad, 32, from Simpang Empat, described the initiative as proof of the government's concern for all groups of people, regardless of their previous eligibility status. 'I truly didn't expect this announcement. I'm thankful that my husband also received the assistance this time, which allows us to stock up on essentials for the next two months. I hope this initiative will continue for everyone in the future to help ease the growing burden on the people,' she said. Her sentiment was echoed by Mazidah Hashim, 29, from Tobiar, Pendang, who was delighted to receive the aid for the first time. 'Alhamdulillah, even though it's one-off assistance, it is still good news. I can use my MyKad to redeem kitchen essentials together with my husband,' said the housewife. In NEGERI SEMBILAN, civil servant Muhd Nazim Mohamad, 33, welcomed the assistance, saying it was very helpful in easing daily financial pressures. 'Previously, only my wife received the aid... but this time, I also received it. It's truly a relief as I can now purchase essential items,' he said. Earlier, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, in his special announcement for Malaysians, said that the one-off aid, given in conjunction with National Day on Aug 31, is an immediate initiative by the government to ease the cost-of-living burden. The initiative will benefit 22 million Malaysians through an allocation of RM2 billion. Anwar added that the total allocation for SARA and Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) has increased from RM13 billion to RM15 billion this year, marking the first time in history that cash assistance has been extended to all adult Malaysians.
