KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 23 — The government is committed to ensuring that the implementation of economic reforms has minimal or no impact on the people in general, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
This is why the government has taken steps to implement the Public Service Remuneration System (SSPA) and the progressive wage and minimum wage policies to help the people improve their quality of life and develop ability to adapt.
He said reform efforts such as targeted subsidies, if not done, will weaken the country’s economy, fiscal strength, ratings and investment.
"The price of oil, flour, crude oil are all still low compared to other neighbouring countries," Anwar said during a townhall session of the Madani Government's Two Year Programme (2TM) and the 2024 National Convention on Public Service Reform at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Center here today.
Also present were Deputy Prime Ministers Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, Cabinet ministers and Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar.
Anwar said he hopes that all parties are ready to improve the country’s economic and fiscal capacity to make the Fiscal Responsibility Act a success.
He noted that subsidy rationalisation was also proposed by the previous government, but leaders then lacked the political will to implement it.
Anwar also described the two-year period as too early to see the full effectiveness of the government's efforts to improve the economy.
However, the prime minister expressed confidence that the government's efforts will bear fruit with the cooperation of all parties, including the private sector, to ensure that the wage policy can be implemented and subsequently improving the people's living standards.
— Bernama
