COMMENTARY: BETWEEN PRINCIPLES AND PRESSURE: ANWAR IBRAHIM, CASH HANDOUTS AND THE #TURUNANWAR MOVEMENT

COMMENTARY: BETWEEN PRINCIPLES AND PRESSURE: ANWAR IBRAHIM, CASH HANDOUTS AND THE #TURUNANWAR MOVEMENT

By: Khairul Faizi bin Ahmad Kamil

On 23 July 2025, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim made a special national address filled with populist announcements: RM100 cash assistance for every adult citizen, a reduction in RON95 petrol prices to RM1.99 per litre, a freeze on toll hikes, an additional public holiday, and a restructuring of electricity tariffs. To some, this was the act of a caring leader. But to others especially those who remember Anwar’s earlier principles, it appeared to be a retraction of the reformist ideals he once championed.

A Reformist’s U-turn?

Anwar Ibrahim has long been vocal in his criticism of the "cash is king" approach, a policy he argued fosters dependency among the people and leads to an immature democracy. He has rejected the idea of direct cash handouts, believing they reduce citizens to mere political tools rather than empowering them to be independent and competitive.

However, the RM100 handout to all adults, regardless of socioeconomic background, clearly contradicts his original philosophy. It resembles a form of outright vote-buying, especially when no contribution or effort is required in return. This exposes the growing contradiction between Anwar’s stated principles and his current actions.

Political Pressure & the Reality of Governance

In assessing this move, we must not overlook the mounting political pressure facing Anwar’s administration. Among the key factors are:

• The continued rising cost of living, despite positive economic statistics;
• Demands from grassroots supporters and components within the Unity Government calling for popular policies to retain support;
• Most significantly, the emergence of the #TurunAnwar movement, a groundswell not born from extreme opposition forces, but from youth, students, and ordinary citizens who once supported reform.

The #TurunAnwar movement reflects genuine frustration with the gap between reformist rhetoric and real-world governance. In this context, the Prime Minister’s populist measures may be viewed as reactive efforts to quell growing public anxiety. It represents a form of short-term “damage control” aimed at regaining support, particularly from increasingly skeptical youth and working-class voters.

The Toll Compensation Issue: Once Criticised, Now Silent?

Another issue catching public attention is the government’s announcement of a RM500 million compensation to toll concessionaires to maintain existing toll rates for 2025.

What is noteworthy is that this is not a new policy. Toll compensation has been implemented systematically since 2004, it is not something novel that should excite the public. It is merely a longstanding practice to prevent toll rate increases when contractual clauses mandate them. Even more interesting is that this approach was once heavily criticised by Pakatan Harapan (PH) when they were in opposition but is now either allowed to continue or met with silence under their own leadership.

Anwar Ibrahim would certainly recall that during Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s tenure as Prime Minister, the government paid compensation every year to toll companies for eight of his nine years in office to avoid toll hikes. At the time, PH leaders harshly criticised this measure, calling it crony enrichment, political bribery for elections including the Kajang by-election and claiming it failed to address the structural issues of highway concessions.

Now, when PMX (Anwar) announces the very same policy on a larger scale (RM500 million) and frames it as a “gift” to the people, there is not a single critical voice from PH, but instead, praise for the “extraordinary” move.

A Two-Faced Politics?

This comparison illustrates how political principles may shift depending on who is in power. Previously, RM400 million in compensation was condemned as cronyism. Now, RM500 million is applauded as caring for the people. Previously, cash handouts were said to weaken democracy. Now, they are glorified as grand appreciation.

The people are not fools. They assess not only what is announced but also the consistency and sincerity of principles. They are tired of double-faced politics idealistic while in opposition, full of excuses when in government.

Conclusion: Reform or Rhetoric?

Anwar Ibrahim’s latest announcements must be viewed as a reflection of how political power is constantly tested between idealism and reality. When pressure mounts, the true test of a reformist leader lies not in his rhetoric, but in his courage to stand firm on principles even if it makes him unpopular instead of trading values for temporary popularity.

Let us remember: Reform is not just a slogan. It is a continuous struggle for truth, even under pressure. Therefore, when a reformist begins to trade principles for survival, it is the people who must draw the line.

This is why the people’s movement #TurunAnwar must go on this 26 July, for PMX’s populist gestures are nothing more than political candy ahead of elections and an effort to save himself.

KFAK