PRIME Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim backed his Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil who said yesterday (May 4) the Cabinet did not discuss the reduction of fuel subsidies as was reported by the The Straits Times last week.
The Cabinet has not yet discussed any increase in petrol and diesel prices after the Kuala Kubu Bharu by-election, said Anwar who clarified that there have been no serious discussions in the Cabinet regarding the withdrawal of diesel subsidies.
He altogether dismissed such negative media reports as lacking a factual basis.
“Any form of subsidy reduction will not burden the people,” Anwar emphasised and urged media reports to refer to policies rather than mere sources.
He also warned against opposition parties exploiting such issues for political gain. Meanwhile, foreign media had speculated on Malaysia’s plans to reduce fuel subsidies, but Anwar affirmed that no concrete decisions have been made.
“There was a series of negative reports by certain media from some neighbouring countries and international media. I think they were made without ethics and references to the right sources and not checked beforehand.
“For example the casino issue, there is no basis at all, it was never discussed at any stage and it was never with my intention or knowledge,” added Anwar.
Yesterday, Fahmi said the cabinet has not discussed a price hike for petrol and diesel yet.
“I have studied the matter carefully and can confirm here that the matter was not discussed because I am also a Cabinet minister.
“Therefore, don’t put the cart before the horse or don’t announce it before it has been announced.
“We are aware that several foreign-based media have pre-empted the process and I hope all parties, including the media, can obtain information from credible sources,” he said in a speech at the Jiwa Madani programme at SMKA (P) Al-Mashoor.
According to The Straits Times, Malaysia is poised to eliminate all subsidies on the subsidised RON95 fuel. It said this decision is part of Anwar Ibrahim’s economic reforms, aiming to streamline government spending and prioritise development expenditures.
The government has denied the claims. – May 5, 2024
