PM: Hamzah deflecting question if PN supporting rich, foreigners

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has taken a jibe at opposition leader Hamzah Zainudin for deflecting his question on whether Perikatan Nasional is supporting the rich and foreigners over subsidy rationalisation.

Speaking to the press today, Anwar said Hamzah has avoided answering the question but the opposition leader has instead pressed on with his own queries on other matters and urged for the prime minister to visit wet markets.

“Almost every week I visit the small stalls and wet markets and I will ask them about the prices of goods and their problems.

“But I think he (Hamzah) is deflecting the question regarding his party supporting rich taukehs and foreigners. That, he has not answered,” he said after attending the Postnormal Times Madani Exhibition at Berjaya Times Square, Kuala Lumpur today. 

This comes after Hamzah, who is also Bersatu secretary-general, condemned Anwar for not announcing when fuel subsidy rationalisation would commence.

Subsequently, he also urged Anwar to visit wet markets around the capital to survey the increase in goods prices that are affecting the public.

On May 21, Anwar announced the government would 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.

PM doesn’t have to do everything

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

On this matter, Anwar today said the implementation mechanism and date of targeted diesel subsidy will be explained by Finance Minister II Amir Hamzah Azizan.

“Not everything has to be done by the prime minister. I have given an overview and the framework. The big picture will come later.

“I have distinguished between policy matters and details,” he added.

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