Kuala Lumpur:Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim tabled the fifth MADANI Budget, themed 'Reaching for the Skies, While Anchored On Our Values', in the Dewan Rakyat, describing it as a 'National Covenant' aimed at ensuring economic strength translates into social justice and dignity for all.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar emphasized that the national budget serves as a moral statement of a responsible government, grounded in justice and guided by trust and responsibility. The budget is intended as a generational effort to strengthen the nation's foundations and uphold promises to future generations.
The budget is structured around eight main pillars, including addressing the cost of living, prioritizing all states, championing welfare, improving public service quality, safeguarding national supplies, raising economic potential, preserving national identity, and managing public funds with integrity.
Anwar highlighted the importance of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) as part of the National Covenant. The government has increased the special grant rate to RM1.5 billion and finalized 12 matters under the MA63, including the appointment of permanent representatives from Sabah and Sarawak to the Inland Revenue Board and the handover of Bintulu Port to Sarawak.
Federal allocations for 2027 maintain high levels, with Sabah receiving RM18.7 billion and Sarawak RM16.2 billion. Additionally, regulatory authority over electricity has been transferred to Sabah, supported by a RM600 million provision from the Federal Government.
Anwar stated that the true measure of the budget lies in its ability to enable people to live with dignity and create a fairer Malaysia. He stressed the intergenerational responsibility of building a stronger nation for future generations through expanded opportunities and institutions that inspire confidence.
The Prime Minister concluded by linking the budget's principles to the Malay intellectual tradition, quoting poet Raja Ali Haji, and reinforcing the importance of trust and accountability in governance.