Anwar signals key changes before Budget 2027, first announcements due Monday

Prime Minister and PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim delivers his speech at the opening of the 2026 PKR National Congress at MITC in Ayer Keroh, Melaka, August 15, 2026. — Bernama pic

By Ben Tan

First Published: Saturday, 15 Aug 2026 2:00 PM MYT

MELAKA, Aug 15 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said he would soon announce several urgent changes that the government plans to implement before the tabling of Budget 2027 in early October.

He said the changes would involve government policies, internal issues within Pakatan Harapan (PH) and cooperation among parties in the federal unity government.

Anwar, who is PKR president, said he would begin sharing details of some of the changes from the day after tomorrow, ahead of Merdeka Day and Malaysia Day celebrations.

“I will also announce the other changes in the upcoming 2027 Budget in October,” he said when delivering his Presidential Policy Speech at the 2026 PKR National Congress at the Melaka International Trade Centre (MITC) here today.

Anwar, who is also finance minister, said the failure to effectively communicate government policies was not due to weaknesses in the policies themselves, but rather a breakdown in communication at the leadership level.

He said there was a need to communicate the policies more effectively, as some matters may have been overlooked.

“At the same time, we cannot deny that the country’s economic performance is good.

“The figures are very favourable, including Bank Negara's projection of reaching six per cent for this quarter.

“However, this achievement still cannot win the hearts of the people if our communication is weak,” he said.

Meanwhile, Anwar expressed his appreciation to Deputy Prime Minister and Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi for his determination to cooperate in forming the unity government.

He also expressed his appreciation to Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and Sabah leaders for their willingness to support the formation of the federal government.

“Despite the differences of opinion between the parties in the unity government, all parties need to understand that changes need to be implemented in stages.

“We are not a government that governs alone and different states have different needs. So, we need to negotiate before any changes can be made,” he said, adding that certain parties pushing for immediate change had also failed to do so when they were in power.

He did not identify those he was referring to.

Anwar pointed out that the coalition government must determine its priorities in implementing its reform agenda without neglecting political stability, national security and the well-being of the people.