BN is the "only government in the world" which thinks of the people's welfare and relieves the burden of parents, said Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Minister Hasan Malek.

In his speech at a 'back to school' campaign today, he told students and adults alike to vote for BN.

"Therefore, do not forget to vote for BN," he told the audience.

Hasan also told the audience that they should be grateful as "the country is peaceful and things are cheap".

The minister, who had in his speech encouraged consumers to buy Malaysian products, also managed to hit out at the opposition with regard to the price of fuel.

"When the price of fuel goes down, they don't say anything. They will only speak out when the price goes up," he said.

He also lamented how even when electricity is cut, the government gets blamed.

"The government gets blamed even when it is not the government’s fault," he said.

'Opposition can make demands, we've best mechanism'

At a press conference later, Hasan said the opposition can make all kinds of demands, but the government had the best mechanism to ensure that the people come first.

"They can ask for anything, but we have our own approach. We do not only think about the government, but the consumers, businesses and oil companies as well.

"We had set the price (of fuel) based on all these factors," he said.

Hasan said this in response to PKR secretary-general Rafizi Ramli who yesterday pointed out how Deputy Finance Minister Ahmad Maslan said if the price of global crude oil downtrends to US$75 per barrel, the price of RON95 would be around RM1.72 per litre.

Currently, the price of global crude oil is at US$68 per barrel.

The retail price for RON95, effective Dec 1, fell by four sen to RM2.26 while RON97 dropped by nine sen to RM2.46.