MELAKA: The implementation of the Budi Madani RON95 (Budi95) initiative, with police and military personnel being the first group to enjoy subsidised RON95 petrol at RM1.99 per litre Saturday (Sept 27), marked the government's recognition of their role in safeguarding the nation's security.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the move not only fulfilled the government's pledge to lower fuel prices but also proved that the welfare of the people was always prioritised within the Madani policy framework.
"This country is peaceful and safe because of the sacrifices of the security forces. When there is peace, investors and tourists will come. That is why the government began implementing Budi Madani RON95 with the police and the military," he said in his speech at the 27th Anniversary of Reformasi celebration here Saturday.
Also present were Melaka PKR leadership council (MPN) chairman Datuk Seri Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin and PKR secretary-general Fuziah Salleh.
Earlier Saturday, a total of 300,000 members of the Malaysian Armed Forces and the Royal Malaysia Police became the first group to enjoy subsidised petrol at RM1.99 per litre, in line with the Prime Minister's announcement on Sept 22.
Meanwhile, Anwar said the country's economic policy must be balanced with the welfare of the people, and not rely solely on economic theories.
He said various welfare measures had been implemented, including the disbursement of tens of billions of ringgit through the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) cash aid and the gradual increase of civil servants' salaries to ensure a better standard of living for the people.
"Our struggle is not rhetoric. Reform must be manifested with concrete actions to help the poor, raise living standards, and ensure the nation's wealth is distributed fairly," he said.
The Prime Minister also stressed that the nation's success did not depend solely on economic growth, but also on the ability to build a society that is united, noble, and of integrity. - Bernama
