Sanusi was reported to have said the government was trying to quell discontent ahead of an anti-government rally this Saturday, adding that the details of the special announcement yesterday could have been announced when tabling the 2026 federal budget instead.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s senior press secretary, Tunku Nashrul Abaidah, responded to Sanusi, saying that the aid measures could not be announced under the 2026 budget as they were meant to be rolled out this year.
“I want to take some time to help Sanusi understand the difference between these aid initiatives and measures under the budget. It is a basic administrative concept that he may still find hard to comprehend despite being menteri besar.
“The initiatives announced yesterday are not part of the 2026 budget, as that can only be spent next year, hence why it’s called the 2026 budget.
“On the other hand, the initiatives announced yesterday will be implemented this year, starting with the RM100 under Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) on Aug 31,” he said in a press briefing today.
Tunku Nashrul also quipped that the PMO was open to holding a simple or detailed briefing for Sanusi to ensure his comments on the government’s measures are based on facts.
He maintained that the RM100 one-off aid and lower RON95 price would go some way to help Malaysians.
He added that it was the first time that the government had announced such aid measures for all Malaysians regardless of social status in conjunction with the National Day celebration.
Responding to claims that Malaysia actually lost US$18 billion (RM75.86 billion) from the 1MDB scandal, Tunku Nashrul also said this represented the “damage” that Anwar’s government had inherited from past administrations.
“Since leading the country at the end of 2022, Anwar has not stopped trying to restore the country’s finances for the sake of the people’s welfare.
“Finally, with our nation’s finances recovering, some aid measures can be given to the rakyat to help reduce their burdens amid this global economic uncertainty.
“As long as there are no disturbances from the likes of Sanusi and his friends, the Madani government will share even more of the nation’s prosperity with Malaysians,” he said.
Tunku Nashrul also reiterated that the “Turun Anwar” rally organised by PAS will be allowed to go ahead this Saturday, saying Anwar upheld the principles of democracy and peaceful assembly.
He said Anwar had ordered the cops to facilitate the rally without intimidating rallygoers or imposing unreasonable obstructions.
“Freedom of expression, including for those who oppose the government, is an important element in a fair and free country. Under the prime minister’s leadership, this freedom must be maintained and respected,” he added.