COMMENT | Public confidence in Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s leadership has grown steadily since he took office. Many see a government that is more focused, organised and grounded than before.

After years of political turbulence and economic strain, the sense of direction has returned. The prime minister’s experience is beginning to show results, not through promises, but through consistency. Budget 2026, totalling RM419 billion, reflects that discipline.

Of this amount, RM338.2 billion is for operating expenditure and RM81 billion for development spending.

Another RM30 billion from government-linked investment companies, RM10 billion from public-private partnerships and RM10.8 billion from statutory bodies and GLCs will support various programmes.

The fiscal deficit is expected to...