KUALA LUMPUR: Today marks the 100th day of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's time in office.
During this period, his unity government has witnessed both achievements and setbacks. Here are some of the key moments of his first 100 days as Malaysia's 10th prime minister.
ACHIEVEMENTS
Cost-Cutting Measures
20 per cent pay cut for ministers until the economy recovers.
Anwar had on Dec 5, last year, announced that Cabinet ministers will take a 20 per cent pay cut until the economy has fully recovered.
Anwar himself has declined to receive his salary as both the prime minister and finance minister, citing shame for accepting RM80,000 when the people are struggling.
He has also rejected a newly purchased Mercedes-Benz S600 limousine offered as his official car to cut costs.
Sabah, Sarawak
Anwar has made significant declarations pertaining to the rights of Sabah and Sarawak.
The yearly special grants for these states have been adjusted to RM300 million (Sarawak) and RM260 million (Sabah).
Additionally, Sabah and Sarawak will have the authority to approve any development project worth RM50 million or less without needing approval from the federal level.
Citizenship greenlight for overseas-born children of Malaysian mothers
The Cabinet, had in February agreed to amend the Federal Constitution to enable automatic Malaysian citizenship to children born overseas to Malaysian mothers.
At present, Malaysian women have to apply for their children's citizenship through lengthy registration processes.
Menu Rahmah
In January, the government launched the Menu Rahmah initiative, in an effort to help reduce the cost of living, especially from the low-income group.
More than 15,000 food premises are offering RM5 meals under this initiative and the number of participating restaurants is expected to double in March.
Menu Rahmah coprises a plate of rice, chicken or fish, and vegetables was launched on Jan 31 this year which can be enjoyed for lunch or dinner.
The initiative has also attracted the interest of other sectors, including healthcare, to provide cheap prices to those in need, especially the B40.
Targeted electricity tariff subsidies
A targeted electricity tariff subsidy programme has been introduced by the government, with subsidies remaining available only to households, SMEs, and agricultural businesses.
By doing this, the government will be able to save RM4.16 billion.
SETBACKS
Finance Minister post
Anwar's appointment as finance minister was criticised for its lack of checks and balances.
Pakatan Harapan leaders have spoken out against the prime minister holding another office in the past.
Nurul Izzah's appointment as PM's senior adviser
Anwar came under fire for appointing his eldest daughter, Nurul Izzah, to serve as his senior adviser on economics and finance .
Nurul Izzah, the former Permatang Pauh member of parliament relinquished her role amid allegations of nepotism
.
Development Allowance cut
Members of parliament from both sides of the divide have expressed dissatisfaction with the government's decision to cut development allowance from RM3.8 million to RM1.3 million.
Many voiced concern it would greatly impact rural constituencies.
HOTLY DEBATED
Budget 2023
Anwar tables largest budget
— RM388.1 billion — in the history of the country for 2023 on Feb 24.
Small and medium-sized businesses benefited the most from the budget initiatives, but civil servants, players in the tourism industry, and some Sarawakian assemblymen were disappointed.
Furthermore, others pointed out that the government missed an opportunity to resolve structural issues in the economy.
Digitalised road tax
The government announced on Feb 10 that private vehicle owners would no longer be required to display their motor vehicle licenses, also known as road taxes.
Many people welcomed the move, while others expressed concerns about the delays it would cause at roadblocks as authorities would need to use a system to check if a car's road tax was expired.
Two DPMs
Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof's appointment as Malaysia's first East Malaysian deputy prime minister was hailed by many as a recognition of the importance of the Borneo states.
The appointment of Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi as the other deputy prime minister, however, raised eyebrows since the Umno president is still facing 47 charges of corruption, criminal breach of trust, and money laundering.
Foreign workers' one-stop centre
In December, the government transferred the one-stop centre for foreign worker recruitment to the home ministry, six months after the previous administration transferred it to the human resources ministry.
A mixed reaction was received from employer groups
, with some saying it complicated recruitment, while others blamed bureaucracy.