SINGAPORE: No final decision has been made on when Malaysia will implement fuel subsidy cuts, said Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, as he slammed media outlets over reports on such a move.
“The issue of withdrawing diesel subsidy, although there was initial discussion but there was no final decision regarding the implementation date. The method needs to be explained. The principle is that it does not burden the people,” Mr Anwar told the media after meeting community leaders in Butterworth, Penang on Sunday (May 5).
He also criticised foreign media reports on the fuel subsidy cuts as “unethical” and took aim at recent reports on alleged discussions to develop a casino in Johor’s Forest City project.
“Maybe because of our firm political stance, neighbouring and international media continue to attack us in terms of negative news. For example, the alleged casino development issue (in Johor) … it was never discussed but it became a hot issue,” he said.
His remarks came after news reports that fuel subsidies would be cut by June, following Selangor’s Kuala Kubu Bharu by-election on May 11. Analysts have said the by-election will be a test of the dynamics between different factions in Mr Anwar’s unity government.
Citing official and industry sources, Singapore news outlet The Straits Times reported diesel prices will float to market rates “in a matter of weeks” after May 11, followed by a staggered rise in retail prices of petrol.
Mr Anwar previously said diesel subsidies would be re-targeted in phases in Peninsular Malaysia, while Sabah and Sarawak would not be involved as diesel was extensively used in those states.
Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli said last November that targeted subsidies for petrol and diesel are likely to be implemented this year using various mechanisms such as individual net disposable income.
On the purported casino talks, news outlet Bloomberg had reported last month that Mr Anwar met Berjaya Corporation founder Vincent Tan and Genting Group chairman and chief executive Lim Kok Thay in Forest City in mid-April. Malaysia’s king, Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar of Johor, was also represented.
Following the report, Mr Anwar said plans for the casino were “a lie”.
Malaysian police will also record a statement from the chief editor of an unnamed English news portal over the story, Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain said last Friday.
“We respect the principle of press freedom but reports should be based on facts,” Mr Anwar said on Sunday.
“The information needs to be from reliable sources. Especially, as this (fuel subsidy) is a matter of policy that requires the government to give notice and make an announcement,” he added.
