PKR Women leader lauds 'people first' PM, warns of rivals exploiting emotions

PKR Women exco member Farahida Fauzi has urged people not to be swayed by those trying to put a negative spin on Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s announcements today, through campaigns like the upcoming protest calling for his resignation.

She said the slew of initiatives to alleviate the cost of living is proof that the government is led by those who truly prioritise the people, not their own pockets.

“I urge Malaysians to judge fairly and rationally. Don’t let your emotions be swayed by those who are sore about losing power.

“The people don’t need to bring their anger to the streets, and instead rise to build the nation with hope and unity,” she said in a statement today.

In a televised address earlier, Anwar announced that the price of petrol for Malaysian citizens will be reduced from RM2.05 per litre to RM1.99 per litre by the end of September.

In addition, Malaysians aged 18 and above will receive a one-off RM100 Rahmah Necessities Aid (Sara) to purchase groceries and household goods from participating shops, and there will be an additional public holiday on Sept 15.

The toll charges at 10 highways will not be increased for this year, with the cost being covered by the government for a tune of RM500 million.

Manipulating people’s anger

Farahida lauded the announcements as being in line with Islamic principles such as taking care of the people’s welfare and upholding social justice.

“Unfortunately, these noble efforts are being manipulated by certain quarters to spread hateful narratives through campaigns like #TurunAnwar. They portrayed the government as though it had neglected the people.

“This is despite the facts showing otherwise, such as targeted subsidies channelled directly to avoid leakages, Rahmah Madani Sales being extended to every state constituency, and a reduction in fuel prices having a knock-on effect on the cost of logistics and consumer goods.

“Those stoking the fires of hatred do not bring solutions. They are merely manipulating the people’s anger to further narrow political interests,” she said.

The “Himpunan Turun Anwar” protest is scheduled for 2pm in downtown Kuala Lumpur on Saturday.

It is the apex of a series of smaller demonstrations being organised by PAS and Perikatan Nasional to call for Anwar’s resignation.

Several opposition figures have panned Anwar’s announcement as “ordinary” and claimed it is a bid to slow the momentum for the upcoming protest.

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