KUALA LUMPUR, November 2 — Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has rejected the notion that he is a modern-day “Robin Hood” following the government’s plan to remove subsidies for Malaysia’s top 15% income bracket, known as the T15. Addressing students at the National Defence University (UPNM), Anwar clarified that the decision is part of a fair approach to reallocate resources towards aiding the lower-income population, rather than taking from the rich to benefit the poor.
Anwar, who also serves as finance minister, emphasized that the government must manage resources wisely to support those most in need while avoiding increased public taxes. “We inherited a debt of RM1.5 trillion,” he noted, explaining that the solution lies in adjusting subsidies rather than broadly taxing the public. He also highlighted that past policies saw the wealthy benefiting from subsidies, especially in areas like electricity, which the government now aims to realign for fairness.
Details on the T15 subsidy removal, expected to be finalized soon, will consider factors such as locality and household disposable income, according to Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli. Anwar concluded that the government’s efforts to redirect subsidies are in Malaysia’s best interest, stressing, “If they want to politicize it, that’s their business.”
