The government’s use of the police to monitor prices have irked an opposition MP to call it a move harking back to Nazi and communist regimes during the Cold War.

 

DAP MP Steven Sim Chee Keong said apart from going beyond police jurisdiction , he worried that this was the first step towards Nazi-style control of the state’s economy to replace the free-market.

 

"This federal government’s move will only pressure traders, particularly small traders, whereas the big monopolies are still free to earn extraordinary profits.

 

"It's clear that such an economic strategy may sound clever but is unfair," Sim ( left ), the MP for Bukit Mertajam, said in a statement.

 

Sim cited that these monopolies now include independent power producers, airlines, toll operators, sugar and basic foods, gas and petrol, banking system, satellite TV and so forth.

 

He slammed Home Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi for lowering the image, dignity and professionalism of police for suggesting that they also watch the economy.

 

He blamed the economic problems on Umno-BN government's failure to manage the economy well, causing national debt to rise and people's income to be stunted and the cost of living to go up.

 

"The corruption culture is widespread and not curbed. Now, the federal government is almost using the Nazi regime war tactics on the economy, to control prices of goods in the market.

 

“Is there a plan to use the police to monitor prices as the start of economic control ala Nazi or communism during the Cold War?" he queried.