Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim launched an AI avatar as a digital twin to invite Malaysians, especially young people, to share their views, concerns, and aspirations directly with him. The avatar video lasts 2 minutes 33 seconds and can be accessed via phone number +603 7885 0523. Anwar said the country’s development should be based on the voices and wishes of the people and asked for public participation to create a fresh national discourse. "So, I really hope that you can share your views, concerns and aspirations directly through this avatar because I am convinced that the country will only improve if it is based on the voices and wishes of the people," he said [1, 2, 3].
On July 19, Anwar urged Malaysians to appreciate the history and meaning of the nation's independence, emphasizing unity and the motto "Bersekutu Bertambah Mutu" (Unity Enhances Quality). He said the nation’s independence came through "blood, sweat and tears," urging children not to forget that struggle. He also warned against any effort to undermine Malaysia’s strength derived from diversity among Malays, Chinese, Indians, Dayaks, and Kadazans [4].
Between July 18 and 20, a group of Orang Asli villagers from Kampung Sungai Cot, Maran, Pahang, visited Anwar’s residence to seek federal help over a land dispute involving the destruction and eviction of about 100 ancestral homes. The community alleged demolitions and burnings of houses without recognition of their customary land rights. Anwar spoke to representatives by phone on July 18 and vowed to raise the issue with the Pahang state government for a fair and lawful resolution [5, 6].
The government has redirected savings from the April 2026 RON95 petrol subsidy rationalization to increase targeted social assistance and food security. These include incentives for paddy farmers and delaying full e-invoice implementation until the end of 2027. Currently, over 230,000 taxpayers have adopted the e-invoice system, issuing 1.5 billion e-invoices as part of the phased rollout since August 2024 [7].
Deputy Finance Minister Liew Chin Tong projected on July 22 that if crude oil prices remain near US$90 per barrel, monthly subsidies for RON95 petrol and diesel could hit RM2 billion and RM1.5 billion respectively. He said the government's fiscal position remains strong and noted approved quota increases such as the 100-litre Budi Diesel quota for pickup truck owners in Sabah and Sarawak [8].
Prime Minister Anwar defended maintaining RON95 petrol prices at RM1.99 per litre despite a large annual subsidy bill of about RM40 billion for fuel. He said Malaysia imports nearly half its petroleum needs but keeps fuel prices low to ease public burden. "We do not want to continue increasing national debt simply to reduce fuel prices further. We must strike a balance between helping the people today and ensuring the country's finances remain strong in the future," he said [9, 10].
Malaysia’s debt-to-GDP ratio is improving despite legacy liabilities from past administrations related to 1MDB, Felda, and Tabung Haji. The government pays nearly RM1 billion annually in debt servicing for Felda alone. Anwar reiterated the government’s commitment to fiscal prudence and economic reforms [11].
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi stated removing ministers or deputy ministers is solely the prime minister’s prerogative. He said a prime minister can act on credible information or suspicions without requiring voluntary resignations [12].
The AI avatar remains available for public engagement, while the government plans to continue addressing land disputes and manage social assistance programs through 2027.
