’1Malaysia goods an insult to rakyat’

Just because ordinary folk don't earn as much doesn't mean everything has to be no frills and no quality products, says PKR.

KUALA LUMPUR: 1Malaysia products are an insult to the rakyat who deserve much better than what is being dished out, said PKR strategic director Rafizi Ramli.

Rafizi said this during Bersih 2.0′s manifesto debate and forum at the Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall yesterday.

Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak, who was invited along with Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim to the forum, unsurpringsly, did not show up.

“BN has basically adopted two ways to address the rising cost of living: BR1M (financial aid) and a series of new products under brand 1Malaysia,” said Rafizi.

“Najib forgets that what we want as Malaysians is to live life equally. Just because we don’t earn as much doesn’t mean everything has to be no frills and no quality products,” he added.

Rafizi accused the government of “insulting the people with cheaper products” and “not addressing the root problem of disparity between the rich and poor”.

“The disparity between the rich and poor is so huge. They (BN) do not know the elevated burden that normal people suffer,” he said.

“Our (Pakatan) manifesto addresses the rising cost of living which wages growth cannot catch up to in the last 20 years.

“That is why we are going down the road to subsidise everything because the priority right now is to help the poorest of poorest.”

Rafizi also said that if Pakatan takes over Putrajaya after the general election on May 5, the coalition would lower the price of fuel on May 7.

“If given mandate by the people on May 5, we will lower the price of fuel on May 7,” Rafizi said to loud cheers from the audience.

“We will make sure that no money goes into the government’s pocket, and that the country’s wealth will be returned to the rakyat.”