Selangor Menteri Besar Azmin Ali said the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and inflation are to be blamed for the rising cost of foods.

"Everyone knows that as a result of inflation and GST, prices of goods have gone up, so why blame it on party (politics)," he told journalists during a function in Gombak today.

He said this in response to Sungai Besar Umno chief Jamal Md Yunos yesterday claimed that expensive fish was due to "pro-opposition" middlemen who hike prices due to political motives.

Jamal had set up stalls at the Ampang Umno headquarters where he sold fish at discounted prices.

Azmin said as menteri besar, he could not determine the policies of the federal government.

"We don't have power at the federal level to implement people-friendly policies.

"We can only do it at the state level, beyond that, we'll just have to wait for the coming general election," he said.

Azmin added that the state government will also ensure revenue will be returned to the people in the state's upcoming budget.

He said the state government had been thrifty with state funds, using furniture in his office as an example.

"I have been in the menteri besar's office for three years and I have not changed a single thing in the office," he said.