Anwar's reformasi engine chugs along despite public criticism: Sim

Summary

• PKR’s Sim Tze Tzin defends Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim amid rising criticism, insisting key reforms are in motion despite public discontent.

• Backlash centres on fiscal policies like SST expansion and subsidy cuts, with business groups and opposition leaders urging caution.

• Sim highlights the Public Accounts Committee’s ongoing probe into rising insurance and healthcare costs, commending the government’s parallel reform efforts.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim may be weathering a storm of criticism on multiple fronts, but PKR backbencher Sim Tze Tzin believes the premier deserves credit for working to push through key reforms. 

Alluding to crucial behind-the-scenes work undertaken by the prime minister, who is also the finance minister, Sim said Anwar is tirelessly striving to ensure the betterment of the nation.

“(Anwar) is getting many brickbats recently for various reasons. But one thing is for sure, he is working very hard for the country. Many reforms are in motion,” the Bayan Baru MP said in a social media post today.

Recently, Anwar has courted criticism from various quarters over several government initiatives linked to fiscal reform, including the expansion of the sales and service tax (SST). 

In particular, six business groups yesterday appealed for the government to postpone the SST expansion until the national economy stabilises, asserting that the tax measure’s timing, magnitude, and scope are gravely misguided.

Perikatan Nasional chairperson Muhyiddin Yassin had also accused Putrajaya of playing up “Robin Hood” theatrics in its attempt to justify the broadening of the tax base.

Besides the SST expansion, the government is also set to implement subsidy rationalisation measures for electricity and RON95 fuel, adding to concerns about economic pressure on the rakyat.

Insurance premiums PAC’s longest, most detailed probe

Meanwhile, Sim also said Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) is scheduled to hold four proceedings this week to investigate the rising prices for insurance premiums and private healthcare costs.

He added that the committee will be holding a second meeting with insurance companies’ CEOs and the Bank Negara governor.

“PAC has done two public hearings and almost 18 proceedings on this issue. It is by far the longest and most detailed investigation,” he said.

He also lauded Anwar’s announcement on the formation of a special committee featuring the Finance Ministry and the Health Ministry to address the rising cost of private healthcare services. 

“As we are doing our part as parliamentarians, I am glad to see the government is doing their job to reform this sector. 

“(The special committee) is definitely great news for company employees, M40, and many B40 who bought insurance to protect themselves,” Sim added.

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