Deputy Agriculture and Agro-based Industries Minister Chua Tee Yong has questioned the absence of key Pakatan Rakyat election promises in their shadow budget, including reducing fuel prices and abolishing toll.

In a statement released yesterday, Chua ( below ) scoffed at Pakatan's shadow budget, touted as being "the best budget and definitely a budget tailor made for the rakyat" but failing to include the petrol price cut they promised the nation.

NONE "However, such an important announcement is not even recorded in their latest Budget 2013. If that were so, how would they be able to reduce the petrol price? Where's the calculation?

"Not only that, they have also promised to abolish toll should Pakatan come into power. But again, it is not stated in their budget.

However, according to Pakatan's shadow budget released early last month, there is a planned phase out tolls for selected highway concessions which would cost RM6 billion.

Chua also criticised Pakatan's minimum wage policy of RM1,100 per month which is RM200 more than the BN's RM900.

"Pakatan shouted that this is the best move for the working group. This is not the truth. This move will further add to the country's debt burden and will definitely burden the rakyat in long run," said Chua.

Chua explained that Malaysia has three million foreign workers and by giving an additional RM200 a month to these workers as pay, it will create an outflow totalling RM7.2 billion as they transfer money to their home countries.

"If we implement the minimum wage of RM1,100, we will lose RM7.2 billion every year. The question is who will bear the cost of this RM7.2 billion? The answer is the rakyat!"

BN has decided to introduce the RM900 minimum wage starting Jan 1, 2013 with the legislation being gazetted on July 1 this year.