Guan Eng submits ‘Malaysia Agenda 12’ package to Anwar, proposes RM25b in interest-free MSME loans
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 9 — Bagan MP Lim Guan Eng has formally submitted a 12-point proposal to Prime Minister Datuk Se...
On September 9, Bagan MP Lim Guan Eng delivered a 12-point plan to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, aiming to boost economic growth and foster national unity prior to Malaysia Day. The DAP advisor presented a proposal to offer RM25 billion in interest-free and collateral-free loans to 500,000 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) alongside a one-year interest suspension on their existing bank loans.
Lim expressed confidence that the banking sector could manage the expense of the interest suspension on current MSME loans for a year.
The MP calculated that financing the interest-free loans at a 4% rate would amount to RM1 billion per year, citing the banking industry's RM54.8 billion profit before tax in 2025, a 13.5% increase from the previous year. Additionally, Lim suggested allocating non-Bumiputera communities an amount equal to 10% of government funds designated for Bumiputeras, without diminishing existing Bumiputera funding.
He proposed establishing a special taxpayers' tribunal for individuals and MSMEs, while increasing individual tax relief by RM3,000 to RM12,000.
Lim urged Putrajaya to immediately return 40% of Sabah's net revenue to the state annually as a special grant and provide Sarawak with a fair grant in line with the Federal Constitution. He advocated for implementing the autonomy safeguards outlined in Sarawak's 18-point and Sabah's 20-point agreements to enhance national integration with Peninsular Malaysia.
Other proposals included approving additional foreign workers, digitizing their applications and visa approvals, and eliminating the mandatory 2% Employees Provident Fund contribution for foreign workers. Lim also advocated for a review of the expanded Sales and Service Tax, measures to promote the purchase of local goods, and adjustments to SST imposed on raw materials used by the steel industry.
His final proposal called for a standardized examination for admission to public universities, replacing the distinct STPM, foundation, and matriculation assessments.
Written by urgent.news from Malay Mail's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
