Latest news with #Fahmi Fadzil
Malay Mail
3 days ago
- Business
- Malay Mail
Anwar defends RM1.99 RON95 petrol price only for Malaysians, says not discrimination but prioritising citizens
MUAR, July 27 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today stressed that the subsidised petrol price of RM1.99 per litre for RON95, announced recently, is specifically for Malaysian citizens, while foreigners will be charged the current market rate. Bernama quoted him saying the move is crucial to ensure that the government's substantial subsidies benefit only locals, in line with the MADANI Government's emphasis on social justice. 'RON95 petrol is priced at RM1.99 for Malaysians. But for foreigners and tourists, including those from Singapore, they will have to pay the market rate, which is RM2.50 or RM2.60 per litre. This is not discrimination, but a policy of a sovereign nation that prioritises its people,' he said in his speech at the Launch of the National Month and Fly the Jalur Gemilang 2025 campaign at Dataran Tanjung Emas here today. Also present were Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, and Director-General of the Malaysian Information Department (JaPen) Julina Johan. Anwar said the targeted petrol subsidy is expected to reduce national expenditure, as it would no longer be extended to foreigners who do not pay taxes or directly contribute to the country's economy. He also criticised a Johor opposition leader who allegedly condemned his decision to limit the subsidy to Malaysians only. 'There was an opposition leader asking why foreigners have to pay more. I don't understand. I'm the Prime Minister of Malaysia. 'Foreigners don't pay taxes like our citizens do. In which country do foreigners receive subsidies like the locals? My first responsibility is to take care of Malaysians,' Anwar said. He stressed that the government does not arbitrarily raise fuel prices, pointing out that Malaysia's petrol prices remain among the lowest in the region despite fiscal pressures. 'If you don't believe me, go and check the fuel prices in Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia – all are much higher. Yet we're still able to offer RM1.99 to our people. That's my responsibility,' he said. Anwar added that savings from the subsidy rationalisation would be channelled towards strengthening welfare programmes, rural development, and gradually increasing the minimum wage, including in the public sector and government-linked companies.
Malay Mail
3 days ago
- Business
- Malay Mail
Anwar defends RM1.99 RON95petrol price only for Malaysians, says not discrimination but prioritising citizens
MUAR, July 27 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today stressed that the subsidised petrol price of RM1.99 per litre for RON95, announced recently, is specifically for Malaysian citizens, while foreigners will be charged the current market rate. Bernama quoted him saying the move is crucial to ensure that the government's substantial subsidies benefit only locals, in line with the MADANI Government's emphasis on social justice. 'RON95 petrol is priced at RM1.99 for Malaysians. But for foreigners and tourists, including those from Singapore, they will have to pay the market rate, which is RM2.50 or RM2.60 per litre. This is not discrimination, but a policy of a sovereign nation that prioritises its people,' he said in his speech at the Launch of the National Month and Fly the Jalur Gemilang 2025 campaign at Dataran Tanjung Emas here today. Also present were Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, and Director-General of the Malaysian Information Department (JaPen) Julina Johan. Anwar said the targeted petrol subsidy is expected to reduce national expenditure, as it would no longer be extended to foreigners who do not pay taxes or directly contribute to the country's economy. He also criticised a Johor opposition leader who allegedly condemned his decision to limit the subsidy to Malaysians only. 'There was an opposition leader asking why foreigners have to pay more. I don't understand. I'm the Prime Minister of Malaysia. 'Foreigners don't pay taxes like our citizens do. In which country do foreigners receive subsidies like the locals? My first responsibility is to take care of Malaysians,' Anwar said. He stressed that the government does not arbitrarily raise fuel prices, pointing out that Malaysia's petrol prices remain among the lowest in the region despite fiscal pressures. 'If you don't believe me, go and check the fuel prices in Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia – all are much higher. Yet we're still able to offer RM1.99 to our people. That's my responsibility,' he said. Anwar added that savings from the subsidy rationalisation would be channelled towards strengthening welfare programmes, rural development, and gradually increasing the minimum wage, including in the public sector and government-linked companies.
Free Malaysia Today
4 days ago
- Health
- Free Malaysia Today
Anwar wants health ministry to speed up doctor hiring
On Tuesday, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the government will fast-track the filling of 4,352 permanent positions for government doctors this year. (Freepik pic) PETALING JAYA : Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has instructed the health ministry to expedite the filling of more than 4,000 permanent government doctor positions, according to government spokesman Fahmi Fadzil. Fahmi, who is also the communications minister, said Anwar raised the matter at today's Cabinet meeting, expressing concern that the hiring process was moving too slowly. 'Initially, the health ministry expected most of the positions to be filled by November, but the prime minister felt that timeline was too drawn-out. As a result, the ministry has been asked to fast-track the process. 'There is an urgent need to fill these vacancies. It's not a small number,' Fahmi told a press conference at the communications ministry in Putrajaya today. He said health minister Dzulkefly Ahmad has given his commitment to accelerate and simplify the recruitment process without compromising necessary procedures. On Tuesday, Anwar, while announcing new initiatives for the people, said the government would fast-track the filling of 4,352 permanent positions for government doctors this year, including contract-appointed medical officers. He said the move was driven by the critical need for more doctors in the healthcare sector. The health ministry is also preparing a paper for the Cabinet to address the ongoing nationwide shortage of healthcare personnel.
Malay Mail
6 days ago
- Health
- Malay Mail
Health minister: Cabinet memo on fixing healthcare staffing shortage ready; 4,352 posts to be filled
PAPAR, July 24 — The Ministry of Health (MOH) has prepared briefing notes and a memorandum to be presented to the Cabinet to address the shortage of personnel in the national healthcare sector, said its minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad. He said the ministry is committed to resolving the filling of 4,352 positions to meet the healthcare needs of the people, as announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim yesterday. 'We are aware that the shortage of personnel is a real issue and must be addressed. I am personally committed to expediting the appointment process for those currently on contract to be absorbed into permanent positions without having to wait by cohort. 'We are identifying ways to reduce this deficit or close the gap, and to implement redistribution or resolve the long-standing issue of maldistribution. I have inherited this situation, but I am determined to address it within a reasonable timeframe,' he said. He was speaking to reporters after attending the Community Engagement Day event at the National Information Dissemination Centre in Kampung Langkuas, Kinarut, near here yesterday. Also present were Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, Ministry of Communications Secretary-General Datuk Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa, and MOH Secretary-General Datuk Seri Suriani Ahmad. When announcing government initiatives for Malaysians yesterday, the Prime Minister said the government would expedite the filling of 4,352 positions at healthcare facilities, including the appointment of contract doctors this year, in response to urgent needs in the country's healthcare sector. However, Dzulkefly clarified that the responsibility for position appointments does not lie with the ministry, but rather under the jurisdiction of the Public Service Department (JPA) and Public Services Commission (SPA), though he is confident these agencies are committed to fulfilling the staffing needs of the health sector. He added that the MOH is also striving to boost the morale of healthcare staff by maintaining the 42-hour work week for nurses, housemen (PPS), and medical officers (MOs). — Bernama
Malay Mail
6 days ago
- Business
- Malay Mail
Fahmi uses RON95 price cut to take a swipe at July 26 ‘Turun' rally
PAPAR, July 23 — The federal government's latest cash handout and planned petrol price cut reflect its commitment to easing living costs, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said today. He also said the assistance and incentives show that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his administration are serious about delivering relief where it matters most. 'Harga minyak turun, Anwar tak turun, tapi Harga RON95 turun,' Fahmi quipped during a media interview, which translates to, 'Anwar is not going down, but the price of RON95 is'. His remark was an apparent jab at the #TurunAnwar rally the Perikatan Nasional opposition is organising this weekend. Earlier today, Anwar announced a one-off cash aid of RM100 for all Malaysians aged 18 and above, as well as the lowering of the RON95 petrol price from RM2.05 to RM1.99 per litre once the fuel subsidy rationalisation is implemented later this year. Fahmi noted that the expanded cash aid under the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) programme would cost the government RM2 billion and benefit 22 million Malaysians. 'Today's announcements are proof that we are not just listening, but acting on the people's concerns,' he said. Fahmi added that the government has managed to strengthen the economy while maintaining low unemployment and attracting steady investment, despite global uncertainties. He said the public could expect more announcements in the coming months, including the tabling of the 13th Malaysia Plan on July 31 and Budget 2026 in October, where deeper and more inclusive reforms will be unveiled.
