06/01/2026

TUESDAY | JAN 6, 2026

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o Moves aimed at boosting governance, welfare and driving reforms Anwar announces new legislative, policy agenda

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PUTRAJAYA: The government will convene a meeting of all political party leaders to discuss the Bill to cap the prime minister’s tenure at 10 years. Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department for Law and Institutional Reform, Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said stated that the meeting will be held in the near future as the Bill is expected to be tabled in this Parliamentary session. “I have to meet all the party leaders so that we can get more than a two-thirds majority. The (prime minister) just mentioned it earlier,“ she told the media after her 2026 New Year Message at the department yesterday. “This is something on which we in the Legal Affairs Division have conducted considerable PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim yesterday unveiled a sweeping legislative and policy agenda aimed at strengthening governance, boosting social welfare and driving economic and digital reforms. 0 Prime minister’s tenure to be capped Anwar announced plans to introduce a landmark Bill to limit the prime minister’s tenure to 10 years, or two full terms, under legislation set to be tabled in Parliament this year. Speaking at the monthly assembly of the Prime Minister’s Department, he said the law forms a cornerstone of the government’s ongoing institutional reforms. “Everyone has term limits. The chief secretary to the government cannot serve for ten years. This applies to all, including the Prime Minister’s Department. “Within that period, they could execute (tasks) effectively. Afterwards, it is appropriate to hand over the responsibilities to the next generation. “We will present a law to limit the term to no more than ten years.” Capping the prime minister’s tenure was a key pledge in Pakatan Harapan’s 2018 election manifesto. ombudsman Bills Alongside the tenure-limiting Bill, Anwar said the first laws to be tabled in Parliament this year will include the separation of the attorney general and public prosecutor roles, the establishment of an ombudsman and the Freedom of Information (FOI) Bill. “These measures signal a renewed commitment to accountability, transparency and institutional reform.” On the FOI Bill, he added: “The FOI law will be presented for parliamentary approval in this session or the next. “Matters of national security and risk require exemptions, but all questions about tenders, contracts and projects should avoid misuse of the law.” Regarding the Ombudsman Act, Anwar said it would provide the public with a platform to raise issues, holding officials accountable from the prime minister downwards. “These measures are part of our broader roadmap for legal, institutional and governance reforms.” 0 Social assistance programmes Anwar announced that a RM100 Sumbangan Asas Rahmah aid for all Malaysians aged 18 and above will be credited starting Feb 9, while monthly aid payments of up to RM200 will begin being credited in phases from Jan 9. Phase 1 of the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah cash aid will begin on Jan 20. “Last year, the programme benefited 96% of the population, totaling nearly RM2.1 billion. “While some wealthy recipients also received aid, many chose to share it with poorer neighbours.” The RM150 million in unspent funds will now be redirected to shelter residents, victims of domestic violence, students with disabilities and patients in need of medical devices. 0 Separation of powers, FOI and

economist Dr Geoffrey Williams said the FOI and ombudsman laws would only be meaningful if they provide genuine access to restricted information and oversight, reports TC Khor. He said FOI laws could play a dual role in improving governance – by uncovering corruption and malpractice and by helping the public understand how key policy decisions are made. He cited monetary policy decisions by Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) as an example. “Interest rate decisions by the Monetary Policy Committee at BNM are currently not published, so we know the outcome but not the reasons for the decisions.” He also said the ombudsman Bill could strengthen oversight of the civil service but cautioned that its effectiveness would depend heavily on its design and leadership. 0 Digital transformation and e-government Anwar called for accelerated digital government initiatives to improve public service delivery. “Today, our national digital system must start seriously, not just talk about paradoxes between new technology and digital systems with increased funding but minimal results.” infrastructure The prime minister directed all ministries to implement small-scale projects immediately, including rural roads, staff quarters and repairs to dilapidated clinics. “Direct contractor appointments will be allowed for projects worth up to RM200,000, while quotations may be used for projects valued up to RM1 million.” To expedite the initiatives, the government issued the general expenditure warrant for 2026 ahead of schedule, allocating RM2.4 billion for small projects carried out by G1 to G4 contractors, mostly Bumiputera. “Implementation must begin immediately at the state and district levels, and all processes must be expedited.” 0 Civil service and budget increases Anwar emphasised that civil servants would benefit from reforms and increased funding. Additional allocations of RM18 billion this year will cover judges’ salaries and other critical functions. 0 SME support and tax incentives Service Tax on rentals for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) has been lowered from 8% to 6%. Newly-established MSMEs will enjoy a one-year tax deferment while the exemption threshold has been expanded to include businesses with annual sales of up to RM1.5 million. “We are now extending the exemption to those with total annual sales of up to RM1.5 million.” A one-year extension has also been granted for the e-invoicing transition period for companies with annual sales between RM1 million and RM5 million, initially set to begin on Jan 1. “This extension will give these businesses additional time to comply without penalties, amid concerns about high implementation costs.” The integrated system will also be expanded to the retail and construction materials sectors to encourage wider adoption. 0 Small-scale projects and

Anwar said RM100 Sumbangan Asas Rahmah aid for all Malaysians aged 18 and above will be credited starting Feb 9, while monthly aid payments of up to RM200 will begin being credited in phases from Jan 9. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/THESUN

study,“ she added. Bernama reported that in March last year, while chairing a Cabinet meeting, the prime minister had called for a thorough study of the proposal. Azalina said all four Bills, which were announced by the prime minister earlier, will be tabled in February, following the debate on the motion of thanks for the royal address. She emphasised that the Bills will steer the nation towards strengthening genuine accountability and public trust. “On the Bills to establish an ombudsman and FOI, I believe we can proceed with these in the current Parliamentary session.” She explained that the FOI will grant public access to information and it operates in tandem This year, the programme will cover 22 million Malaysians, supporting preparations for Ramadan and Chinese New Year celebrations. Registration remains essential for new recipients in rural areas, as well as for 10,000 small traders and retail shops. Complementing the cash aid, the government will continue the Rahmah Madani and Agro Madani sales initiatives. “Over 23,000 Rahmah Madani sales events will be held across 600 state constituencies and 40 Federal Territory locations, while 5,000 Agro Madani sales events will offer products 10% to 30% cheaper than standard market prices. “These programmes ensure affordability of essential goods, support small traders and reach vulnerable communities.” 0 Education support and community schools Parents will receive early preschool assistance under the back-to-school project at RM150 per

with the Ombudsman Bill to help combat corruption, improve the quality of public service, protect citizens, and strengthen Malaysia’s principles of democracy and rule of law. “I consider the establishment of both the FOI and the ombudsman to be extremely important. The laws are sharply focused on public demand. “In many developed nations, FOI and an ombudsman are regarded as fundamental components of a country’s system of checks and balances.” Azalina also said the Legal Affairs division will expand its town hall sessions and conventions to gather feedback and views from various stakeholders and to enhance public understanding of the Bills. Meanwhile, in an interview with theSun student, now covering students up to Form Six. The total expenditure for the programmes is currently RM800 million annually. The government has also increased focus on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), including the integration of Maahad Tahfiz schools to provide employment opportunities. “Community religious schools remain in the poorest condition compared to other schools. “Hundreds of thousands of students, more than 300,000, are enrolled in these schools. Previously, all assistance was cut, which disadvantaged our children.” He directed the Islamic Development Department to engage directly with the schools to improve curricula, teaching quality and facilities. Funding for Chinese and Tamil national type schools has also increased. SJKC allocations rise to RM80 million from RM50 million, while SJKT schools will receive RM50 million.

Meeting with political party leaders to discuss Bills, says Azalina