Muar MP moots law tying social aid to inflation, PM gives thumbs up

PARLIAMENT | Opposition MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman (Muda-Muar) has suggested the government tie its social aid to the country's inflation rate.

This followed the government’s plans to increase its financial assistance for the poor by RM3 billion next year, as Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced during the Budget 2025 tabling on Friday.

While he praised the government's efforts to eradicate poverty, Syed Saddiq said Putrajaya should also consider a law that will enforce periodic increments in the amount of social aid to the poor.

"If the prime minister can, by way of law amendment, include a provision that ensures (the amount of financial assistance) is increased regularly.

"For example, we can tie it to the country's annual inflation rate, or perhaps for every three years. This is so we won't have to wait for such an announcement to be made only during every budget proposal.

"If we can do this, Mr Prime Minister, you are effectively institutionalising change. Because it will no longer have to be based on political will, in case there is a change of government in the future," he said during Prime Minister's Question Time at the Dewan Rakyat today.

The suggestion received a thumbs-up from Anwar, who called it a good idea.

The premier said Putrajaya will study the suggestion, including by looking into the need to increase aid based on the rising cost of living.

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