No reason for people to queue for aid in digital era, says PM

 

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has reaffirmed the Madani government’s commitment to ending outdated practices that undermine the people’s dignity, including forcing those in need to queue for long hours to receive financial aid.

He said such an approach should no longer exist in the digital era, as it appeared disrespectful to the people and akin to outdated systems from centuries ago.

“I do not agree that, in 2026, the people still have to queue (to receive assistance). This is not about election politics.

“Do not treat the people as slaves… We are now independent, sovereign; the people have dignity, rights, freedom and the spirit of independence,” he said when speaking at the launch of the Pakatan Harapan election machinery for the Johor state election at Kim’s Park Business Centre in Batu Pahat last night.

Also present were DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke, Harapan secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, Amanah president Mohamad Sabu, and PKR information chief Fahmi Fadzil.

Also in attendance were PKR vice-president and Johor PKR chairperson Dr Zaliha Mustafa, Johor Amanah chairperson Aminolhuda Hassan and Johor DAP chairperson Teo Nie Ching.

Further commenting on reforms to the aid delivery system, Anwar said the Madani government was now prioritising direct bank transfers to ensure citizens’ welfare was protected with dignity.

He questioned the need to maintain old methods when financial assistance, such as the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and school aid, could now be credited directly.

According to Anwar, direct disbursement of financial assistance should be implemented to ensure that no one is forced to queue for long periods to receive aid, reflecting the government’s commitment to respecting people’s dignity.

In addition, Anwar said the government remained committed to ensuring educational equity by guaranteeing Matriculation Programme placements for all students who achieved 10As and above in the SPM examination, regardless of race.

He said the move was made to recognise outstanding achievements of local students while dismissing claims by certain parties that the issue had been politicised for narrow interests.

According to Anwar, the decision to guarantee matriculation places for all students with 10As, regardless of race, was collectively agreed upon by all cabinet members in the federal government.

He also reminded all parties not to use political platforms to incite racial sentiments that could divide society, but instead focus on building educational excellence for the future of the nation’s youth.

- Bernama