COMMENT | Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s long-teased surprise finally arrived today, a package of cost-of-living relief measures.

They include an RM100 cash handout for all adult Malaysians, a fuel price adjustment reducing RON95 to RM1.99 per litre, the creation of over 4,000 medical positions, a new public holiday on Sept 15, and the deferment of toll hikes.

Framed as a “special appreciation” to the rakyat, this announcement comes at a time of growing public frustration over rising living costs, lagging reforms, and Anwar’s increasingly strained reformist image.

While this multi-pronged package may win Anwar short-term applause, it raises deeper questions about...