Analysts say the government assistance may boost support among the B40 group, but its effectiveness in easing living costs will determine whether that support lasts.
Azmi Hassan of Akademi Nusantara said the two programmes could become part of Anwar’s political legacy, much like Bantuan Rakyat 1Malaysia (BR1M), which remains closely associated with former prime minister Najib Razak.
He said STR continued BR1M’s cash assistance approach, while SARA expanded the benefits by allowing recipients to purchase essential goods using their MyKad.
Azmi said although some might consider the amount of assistance to be relatively small, the B40 group greatly appreciated the regular financial relief.
“So, it could help Anwar win votes,” he told FMT ahead of the Melaka polls on Saturday.
PH, which Anwar chairs, will be contesting 21 seats in the state election.
STR provides cash assistance in phases to eligible recipients, while SARA offers credits through MyKad for purchasing essential goods.
Awang Azman Pawi of Universiti Malaya said BR1M’s strength lay in its impact on people’s lives, shaping the perception that Najib’s administration had taken steps to help those facing financial difficulties.
He said Najib had the advantage of introducing BR1M in 2012, while Anwar had an opportunity to build his own legacy by expanding and improving the existing assistance system.
However, Awang Azman cautioned that larger allocations did not necessarily translate into stronger political support, as voters also assessed how effectively the assistance helped them cope with living costs.
He cited BR1M as an example of a programme that benefited some recipients but failed to prevent Barisan Nasional’s defeat in the 2018 general election.
“Political support does not come automatically. Voters also assess whether their income is sufficient, food prices are affordable, job opportunities are improving and their families’ standard of living is getting better.”
Awang Azman said STR and SARA could strengthen confidence in Anwar’s administration, but lasting support would depend on improvements in real incomes, price stability and opportunities for people to improve their living standards.
“Ultimately, regardless of how much assistance the government provides, public confidence comes down to one fundamental question – are people’s lives genuinely getting better?”
Financial aid eases burden for Melaka recipients
In Melaka, several STR and SARA recipients interviewed by FMT acknowledged that the assistance helped ease their daily expenses.
Faizal Saadon, 40, said SARA helped him purchase groceries, while the RM1,800 in STR assistance he received this year went towards various household expenses, including his children’s schooling needs.
The Bemban voter, who works for a delivery company, also used part of his STR payment, together with his salary, to renew his expired road tax.
“It eases my burden,” he said.
For Shamsuri Salleh, 57, a food stall operator in the Rim constituency, STR and SARA not only helped ease his family’s household expenses but also covered the cost of raw ingredients for his food business.
He said STR was also useful during festive seasons, as the money could be spent on items needed for the celebrations.
“STR helps. During festive celebrations, I also receive money. So it helps me buy things (for the celebrations).”
Meanwhile, entrepreneur Ria Artika Nor, 38, said the money enabled her to purchase groceries and provide for her children’s needs.
However, Ria, who is from Merlimau, hopes the RM1,200 in annual STR assistance and RM100 in monthly SARA credits she currently receives could be increased to help ease her family’s financial burden amid rising prices. - FMT
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