Sultan Spared New Tax While Malaysia Plugs Budget Leaks

When Malaysia starts a new consumption tax next year, some of its most privileged and wealthiest citizens will be spared, and lower-income households will get handouts to help them cope.

Other groups aren’t so lucky, as Prime Minister Najib Razak seeks to curb wasteful spending and budget leaks to improve the fiscal deficit and propel the economy toward developed-nation status, while trying to preventing voter unhappiness.