Opposition MP Calls for Clarity on Definition of “T15” Category, Says Govt’s Policies Are All Over the Place

On October 18, Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim tabled the Budget 2025 in Parliament, stating that the petrol subsidy cut targets the top 15% of income earners (T15) and foreigners who don’t need it.

Recently, Muar MP Syed Saddiq shared his reaction on TikTok, expressing disagreement with the approach and questioning who truly falls within the T15 category.

“We could get accused of politicising it”

It’s safe to say Syed Saddiq isn’t alone in opposing the plan. Another opposition MP has also urged the government to avoid making announcements without a clear framework, referencing the recent Budget 2025 statement on the T15 category.

In a live discussion on Malaysia Parliament’s YouTube channel, Putrajaya MP Datuk Dr. Radzi Jidin emphasised that the government should take a more measured approach, engaging with all stakeholders and weighing all factors before finalising policies.

“Make sure all the concepts, elements, and contexts are actually considered before making any announcement. When things like this keeps happening, if we (the opposition) bring it up, we get accused of politicising it. And when the public asks questions, they’re told they’ve got it all wrong,” he added.

“Show us the correct information!”

Radzi pointed out that the government hasn’t given a clear definition of the T15, or the top 15% of society, which is supposed to be a new group facing gradual subsidy cuts as part of the government’s plan to balance resource distribution.

He added that during the recent 2025 Budget announcement, they introduced the term “T15,” but so far, there’s been no real explanation of what it actually means.

“The government’s policies are all over the place”

Radzi went on to explain that on October 20, the economy minister mentioned this classification won’t only depend on gross household income.

Then, on Tuesday, in response to a question about tackling hardcore poverty in Dewan Rakyat, the prime minister said they’ll be using per capita income to identify households in the hardcore poverty category.

Given these mixed messages, Radzi is urging the government to clear up the confusion, saying there’s no point in announcing things without certainty.

“This isn’t just flip-flopping anymore, it’s a full roundabout, going around in circles without any clear explanation,” he said.

What are your thoughts on this? Let us know down in the comments!

Also read: Syed Saddiq: Govt Must Reconsider Cutting Subsidies for T15, Many Middle-Income Families Fall Under This Group