Malaysia PM Anwar’s first budget on Friday: Five things to watch out for

[KUALA LUMPUR] On Friday (Feb 24), Malaysia Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who is also the finance minister, will unveil the unity government’s first budget in parliament. 

The high cost of living, escalating core inflation, and an expectation of slower economic growth this year are the main challenges for Malaysia this year. The country is also still recovering from a damaging political crisis that began in 2020 and resulted in the change of two coalition governments and four prime ministers in just three years.

All eyes are also on whether Anwar will introduce any new policies or measures that will give some insight into Malaysia’s future economic direction.