On the eve of Merdeka, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim rolled out six immediate cost-of-living and business relief measures, with promises of further support to come. But with first-half fiscal deficit numbers widening to 4.2% and oil prices hovering near $95 a barrel, questions remain over how the government will balance targeted public aid with its broader fiscal consolidation targets. Dr. Mohamad Afzanizam Abdul Rashid, Chief Economist at Bank Muamalat Malaysia, joins BFM’s Morning Brief to explore what these national day measures might signal for the upcoming tabling of Budget 2027 and our fiscal position ahead.

Image Credit: Shutterstock

On the eve of Merdeka, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim rolled out six immediate cost-of-living and business relief measures, with promises of further support to come. But with first-half fiscal deficit numbers widening to 4.2% and oil prices hovering near $95 a barrel, questions remain over how the government will balance targeted public aid with its broader fiscal consolidation targets. Dr. Mohamad Afzanizam Abdul Rashid, Chief Economist at Bank Muamalat Malaysia, joins BFM’s Morning Brief to explore what these national day measures might signal for the upcoming tabling of Budget 2027 and our fiscal position ahead. Image Credit: Shutterstock

Opinion and analysis of today’s international and local news that matter to Malaysians. Everything you need to know to start and plan your work.

Opinion and analysis of today&rsquo;s international and local news that matter to Malaysians. Everything you need to know to start and plan your work.