Cabinet did not discuss government plans to cut subsidies when it met this morning, according to Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussein.

“It was not discussed,” Hishammuddin said flatly, during a press conference in Putrajaya today.

However, according to a Reuters report late this evening, quoting sources, Cabinet did in fact discuss the matter but did not decide on a methodology or a time frame to do so.

The report states that a firm decision from the government was “still some time away”.

“We still have to wait for the public feedback and further discuss how all these proposals can be adjusted and implemented. It may take some months,” the source told Reuters .

Meanwhile, the Performance Management and Delivery Unit (Pemandu) will hold an “ open day ” event at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) to garner public feedback on the matter.

This is party of the publicity campaign by the government to persuade the public to accept the removal of subsidies for fuel, food, electricity and other staples.

Subsidies cost touched RM74 billion last year, which is a large chunk of the gross domestic product while the budget deficit hit a 20-year high.

Vell Paari must apologise

In another development, Hishammuddin said MIC central working committee member S Vell Paari should apologise for insinuating that Umno was engineering a coup against MIC president S Samy Vellu.

“This has nothing to do with Umno. Someone in their own party spoke against the MIC leadership, what does that have to do with Umno?

“I hope the person who made that wild allegation can furnish proof to back his claim, or else he must apologise,” said Hishmmuddin, who is Umno vice-president.

NONE When asked about claims of a possible revival of the Al-Arqam movement, Hishamuddin said it was discussed and agreed by Cabinet that there will be continued surveillance of the movement’s followers.

There has been reports that there are attempts to revive the banned Al-Arqam movement, following the death of its founder Ashaari Muhammad ( left ) last week.

“We are concerned about those who have camped out at his grave. Police are monitoring the situation and we will continue to keep tabs on it,” he said.