How did Anthony Loke describe the Prime Minister’s surprise announcement?

Question

Accepted Answer

Anthony Loke Expressed Surprise at the Prime Minister's Announcement of a Second Round of Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) Cash Aid

Transport Minister Anthony Loke stated that he was surprised by the announcement of a second round of the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) cash aid programme. He revealed that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had not informed Cabinet members of this plan beforehand, with the announcement being made during the tabling of Budget 2026. Loke viewed this move as a reflection of the Finance Ministry's strong fiscal management and its commitment to returning savings to the people.
Lack of Prior Cabinet Discussion

Loke explicitly told reporters that the announcement was a surprise, noting that the Prime Minister had not mentioned the second round of Sara payments at all during the day's Cabinet meeting. This indicates that the decision was not a subject of prior deliberation or consensus among the ministers.
Reflection of Fiscal Prudence and Savings Return

According to Loke, the surprise announcement demonstrates the success of the Finance Ministry's fiscal consolidation efforts. He highlighted that when national revenue is managed effectively to achieve savings, those savings can then be returned to the populace, as exemplified by the Sara programme.
Broad Impact of the Second Round of Aid

The second distribution of the Sara payment is set to benefit a significant number of people, with Loke mentioning that 22 million individuals are expected to receive the aid again. This expanded reach is planned to occur around the periods of Ramadan and Chinese New Year in the following year.

Reading history

Hide →

This history is cleared when the page is closed.

How did Anthony Loke describe the Prime Minister’s surprise announcement?

Loading

Was this article helpful?

Helpful

Not helpful

Report an issue

1

0

0

Share with friends