Hamzah pans PM's targeted diesel subsidy announcement

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s announcement on targeted diesel subsidy has caused unease among the people, said Opposition Leader Hamzah Zainudin.

Hamzah (above, right) pointed out that Anwar, in his live telecast, failed to address the “elephant in the room” on the starting date for the blanket diesel subsidy removal in Peninsular Malaysia.

“Also, what is the government’s mechanism to channel assistance to the people?

“The people want to know, when will the fuel price increase? How can they apply for assistance?

“After many months, the government is still practising the concept of ‘announce first, think later’,” the Perikatan Nasional secretary-general said in a statement yesterday.

Two days ago, Anwar said the government will end blanket subsidy for diesel, with an expected savings of RM4 billion, saying it was also benefiting the “maha kaya” (ultra-rich) and over three million foreigners.

However, he said the government will continue to subsidise diesel for 10 types of public transport and 23 types of vehicles used to transport goods, to curb a sudden increase in prices of goods and services.

Anwar, who is also finance minister, said the relevant ministry will soon announce implementation details for the targeted subsidy.

Impact on struggling rakyat

Hamzah warned that fuel subsidy rationalisation will have an impact on the entire economic chain at a time when people are already struggling with the rising cost of living.

He accused Anwar of “confusing” the people with figures that did not accurately present current economic realities.

For example, Hamzah said while Anwar announced a 4.2 percent economic growth in the first quarter of this year, the figure is lower than 5.6 percent recorded in the same period last year.

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