Exploring Speech Acts in the 2024 Malaysian Federal Budget: A Pragmatic Perspective

Speech act theory studies have primarily focused on speeches outside the economic domain, with limited attention given to supply bills. This research examines the application of speech act theory in analyzing the translated 2024 federal budget speech delivered by Malaysian political leader Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The primary objective is to categorise the speech acts within the selected text and explain the usage and functions of illocutionary acts. A qualitative research approach is adopted, employing an in-depth manual analysis through close reading and anchoring an established framework for identifying and classifying speech acts. While budget speeches have been analysed in certain studies, a focused application of speech act theory in this context remains notably underexplored. Addressing this gap, the study aims to enhance understanding of the speech acts embedded in budget speeches. Findings indicate that speech acts play a pivotal role in articulating and conveying public economic initiatives, each marked by distinct illocutionary forces. These findings provide valuable insights for political representatives, speechwriters, researchers, and public audiences interested in the interplay between language and political discourse. By uncovering the nuances of speech acts in budget speeches, this study contributes to the broader comprehension of language’s role in shaping public economic narratives. This study supports Sustainable Development Goal 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions by fostering transparency and accountable institutions through a linguistic analysis of how government economic policies are communicated.