Guan Eng submits ‘Malaysia Agenda 12’ package to Anwar, proposes RM25b in interest-free MSME loans

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 9 — DAP adviser Lim Guan Eng has presented Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim with a comprehensive 12-point plan to boost economic growth and foster national unity. The proposal, delivered in person, calls for the establishment of an RM25 billion interest-free and collateral-free loan program for 500,000 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

Lim argues that banks can comfortably absorb the cost of a one-year interest moratorium on existing MSME loans, citing the RM54.8 billion profit before tax the sector generated in 2025, up 13.5% year-over-year.

To ensure equal opportunity, Lim proposes granting non-Bumiputera communities funding equivalent to 10% of allocations reserved for Bumiputeras, without reducing the latter's funding. He also suggests setting up a special taxpayers' tribunal to support individuals and MSMEs, with tax relief ranging from RM3,000 to RM12,000. Lim urges the federal government to return 40% of Sabah's annual net revenue as a special grant to the state and provide Sarawak with an equitable grant in line with the Federal Constitution.

He emphasizes the importance of implementing the autonomy safeguards enshrined in Sarawak's 18-point agreement and Sabah's 20-point agreement to promote national integration.

Other key points include approving more foreign workers, digitizing their applications and granting processes, and exempting foreign workers from the mandatory 2% contribution to the Employees Provident Fund. Lim advocates for a review of the expanded Sales and Service Tax, measures to promote local goods purchases, and adjustments to the SST imposed on raw materials used in the steel industry.

His final proposal is the creation of a standardized examination for admission to public universities, replacing the current STPM, foundation, and matriculation assessments.