'Car boot' duo loses Budi95 in hours, Indira's fugitive ex still eligible - lawyers

Lawyers representing M Indira Gandhi questioned the “glaring differences” by the authorities when blocking access to the Budi95 fuel subsidy programme.

Rajesh Nagarajan and Sachpreetraj Singh referred to a recent case where the Finance Ministry said it would block the Budi95 subsidy for two individuals after a video showed them filling RON95 into a large tank in their car boot.

Comparing that with Indira’s ex-husband Riduan Abdullah’s Budi95 usage, the lawyers questioned why there was no similar action against the latter, given that he remains a wanted man in the country due to a long-standing custody dispute.

“In that instance, the government demonstrated that it possesses both the legal authority and the administrative capability to act quickly by restricting eligibility through database controls linked to the MyKad system.

“It is now in the public domain that the authorities have been aware since November 2024 that (Indira’s ex-husband) was eligible for, and continues to be eligible for, benefits under the Budi95 subsidy scheme.

“Despite this knowledge, no blacklist or suspension appears to have been imposed. The comparison is unavoidable,” they said in a statement today.

The lawyers further said that in the recent Budi95 enforcement case, action could be taken almost immediately once the transgression was known.

However, they added that despite months having passed since November 2024, the authorities have not used the same system to deny subsidy benefits to a person they are seeking to locate.

“The inconsistency becomes even more troubling when viewed against the background of the Federal Court decision in Indira’s case, where the highest court in the land issued a binding order requiring the recovery of the child.

“That order remains unexecuted after 17 years.

“The failure to enforce that judgment has long raised serious concerns about the commitment of the authorities to uphold the rule of law.”

They added that the government cannot, on one hand, demonstrate it is capable of immediate enforcement in subsidy controls, and, on the other hand, allow a wanted individual to remain within the subsidy system.

“(Therefore) we demand the government, Finance Ministry and the police to explain why, despite knowing since at least November 2024 that (Riduan) was eligible for Budi95, no action was taken to suspend or blacklist him, and what steps will now be taken to ensure that enforcement of the law is carried out without fear or favour.

“Until these questions are answered, public confidence in the equal application of the law will remain seriously undermined.”

They further said that Riduan’s Budi95 subsidy is still active as of 11.30am today.

The Finance Ministry, in a statement earlier, said the individuals in a recent viral video clip, which showed the perpetrators pumping RON95 petrol into a large container in the boot of their car at a petrol station, were identified as Malaysians and MyKad holders.

The ministry said it will be blocking the identity cards used in the transaction, as well as the vehicle owner, from accessing the Budi95 subsidy.

Indira bids to adduce ex-husband's Budi95, Sara usage records as evidence

Cops re-issue fresh notice for arrest of Indira's ex-husband

Indira dismayed by 'oblivious' IGP, group confirms teddy bear heading to PMO

Give facts, not fiction: Indira's lawyer slams IGP's 'assurances'

'No restrictions' remain on Indira's ex-husband's travel status

IGP: Police will abide by court ruling to widen search for Indira's ex-husband