Lim calls on Anwar to deliver economic relief in pre-election Budget

KUALA LUMPUR — Opposition lawmaker Lim Guan Eng has pressed the government to prioritise concrete economic measures in its upcoming Budget, signalling concern that current relief efforts may fall short of public expectations. The Bagan Member of Parliament specifically recommended increasing the personal income tax threshold to RM12,000 to provide direct financial assistance to Malaysian households. Such a move would exempt lower-income earners from taxation and potentially ease the financial burden on working families facing rising living costs. The call comes as the government prepares what observers view as a likely final Budget before the next general election, raising political stakes for fiscal announcements. Lim's intervention reflects broader pressure on the administration to demonstrate tangible economic benefits to voters ahead of anticipated electoral contests. The debate over tax thresholds and targeted relief measures has become increasingly prominent in Malaysian political discourse, with various stakeholders advocating for policies to cushion citizens against inflationary pressures and economic headwinds.