When Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim dropped the Chinese proverb “居安思危，思则有备，有备无患”during his Budget 2026 speech, Malaysians were like: “Eh, what does that mean ah?”
In simple terms, it roughly translates to:
When things are peaceful, think of danger; by being mindful, you’ll be prepared; when prepared, you won’t suffer.”
Or in modern Malaysian English: “Stay ready so you don’t have to get ready.”
What he really meant
Anwar wasn’t trying to be poetic for fun, he was sending a message. Even though Malaysia’s economy is currently stable, he reminded everyone not to take things for granted.
Budget 2026 is all about being ready before the storm hits — whether that’s in terms of the economy, climate change, or our social safety nets.
Think of it like keeping an umbrella in your car before it rains, or saving a little every month before the next inflation wave hits.
How it shows in Budget 2026
If you look at the announcements closely, this “be prepared” mindset runs through the whole budget:
- Carbon tax in 2026 → preparing industries for a green future
- Progressive wage policy → preparing workers for better income sustainability
- Infrastructure upgrades → preparing cities and rural areas for long-term growth
- Social aid & targeted subsidies → making sure no one gets left behind
Whether you’re a policymaker, student, or just someone trying to survive the cost of living, Anwar’s quote hits home.
It’s the same wisdom your mum gives when she says, “Save your money lah, later rainy day how?”, or your boss when he says, “Better finish the report now before the client suddenly asks for it.”
TLDR
Anwar basically told Malaysians:
Don’t wait for problems to happen. Plan, prepare, and you’ll be fine.”
And honestly, that might just be the best advice, not only for the country, but for every one of us hustling to make it through 2026.
Watch the video here:
