Lanang: The policy signals delivered by the Prime Minister in the New Year address are clear, reflecting a balance of reform initiatives and immediate relief measures, said DAP Sarawak Deputy Chairman and Lanang MP Alice Lau Kiong Yieng.
Lau highlighted three key areas in her analysis:
Institutional reform
“Structural reforms, including the introduction of a Prime Ministerial term limit and the decentralisation of prosecution powers, address long-standing public calls for checks and balances and greater judicial independence.
“Once implemented, these reforms are likely to enhance government credibility,” she noted.
Public welfare
Lau said the RM150 back-to-school allowance, alongside STR and SARA aid, provides direct support to low- and middle-income families during the school-opening period. Lau described these initiatives as “immediate-impact” policies with high economic efficiency.
She also welcomed the substantial increase in funding for Chinese schools, calling it a positive signal to the Chinese community and evidence of the Madani government’s commitment to multicultural education.
Economic and business measures
On the economic front, Lau praised the government’s decision to grant a grace period for e-invoice implementation, allowing SMEs more time to adapt.
She said this reflects a pragmatic approach to digitalisation that takes business feedback into account.
“Reducing corporate tax burdens, particularly by raising tax thresholds, helps protect small and micro enterprises and avoids a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach that could stifle economic vitality,” she said.
Lau concluded that the New Year address presents a policy package aimed at stability while advancing reform, with a people-centered approach.
“In the short term, cash aids stabilise public sentiment; in the medium term, institutional reforms are advanced; and in the long term, economic and governance structures are gradually adjusted,” she said.
