PN leaders bemoan rising cost of living, stifling of freedom in Merdeka messages

Perikatan Nasional leaders have criticised the government for the rising cost of living and restricted freedom of speech in their statements in conjunction with Merdeka Day today.

The coalition chairperson Muhyiddin Yassin claimed that the government’s move to withdraw subsidies for diesel at the pump has resulted in a chain effect on the prices of services and essential goods.

The situation has also led to surges in the country’s overall inflation rate, Muhyiddin (above) added.

"Independence, in the true sense of the word, is when the people can live their lives safely, freely seek sustenance and overflow with prosperity.

"Independence will also be more meaningful when the people are free from poverty and not burdened with the gripping cost of living.

"I am very concerned about the continuous increase in the cost of living that is squeezing the lives of the people, especially the poor and low-income groups,” the Bersatu president said in a statement posted on Facebook last night.

The government has withdrawn diesel subsidies at the pump on June 10 in a bid to rationalise expenditure and stem smuggling activities.

Following this, the price of diesel would be floated according to the market rate and updated weekly like RON97.

Eligible private vehicle owners can apply for a monthly RM200 assistance, while commercial vehicle owners can apply for fleet cards under the Subsidised Diesel Control System.

Freedom of speech

In a separate statement posted on Facebook last night, Bersatu secretary-general Hamzah Zainudin said there was no meaning to independence when freedom of speech is restricted.

"Is it wrong for us to fight to defend the interests of the nation, religion and kings?

"If we are not the ones who fight, who else?

"As independent children, do not allow ourselves to be used for the satisfaction of lust and revenge of those who are oppressors,” he said.

He called on the people to fight for a better and more fair future for the country.

PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan urged Malaysians to recall the ideas that gave birth to the country’s independence from British rule.

"Without a deep awareness and realisation, especially among the new generation, of the great ideas that gave birth to this country, there is a possibility that our actions today will unravel the foundations that bind us in an independent and sovereign country, thus destroying the legacy of memories that play a big role in shaping our national identity,” he said in a statement on Facebook last night.

Such a possibility is becoming more apparent in the narrative seen in public spaces, especially virtual forums, he said.

Eventually, this will prevent Malaysia from becoming a free and dignified country, he added.

"A nation exists in the mind of the group of people who make it up.

"As an 'imagined political community', its survival is highly dependent on the extent to which members of the community share and support the image of the nation in their respective consciousnesses and organise their lives based on that image,” he said.

Malaysia is celebrating its 67th Merdeka Day today (Aug 31).

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