Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim ratcheted up his Kajang by-election campaign last night, focusing on rising living costs and attacking tycoon Tan Sri Syed Mokhtar Albukhary and his sugar monopoly.
Putrajaya has eliminated the sugar subsidy, increasing prices by 34 sen a kilo but most consumers complain more about fuel subsidy cuts that have seen pump prices and electricity rates go up.
“The price of sugar increased because it is monopolised by Syed Mokhtar. I am against Umno, BN, including the big names in the party,” said Anwar in front of about 300 residents in Taman Impian Murni.
The sugar industry is currently monopolised by Central Sugar Refinery, owned by Syed Mokhtar’s Tradewinds, and plantation giant Felda Global Venture's Malaysian Sugar Manufacturing.
“Syed Mokhtar is worth billions of ringgit. I do not hate him. I have nothing personal against him but I do not like the fact that sugar is monopolised by one person and because of that, the people have to pay,” he said.
At the least, prices of essentials must be controlled
The Permatang Pauh MP admitted that not all prices could be controlled by the government.
“What is our problem here in Kajang? It is economic problem, rising cost of living… I admit that a government cannot control all, but petrol and sugar prices should not be increased.”
He also said he would not launch personal attacks against any leaders or individuals in this by-election campaign.
"Yes, I want to win but not by insulting others. I will explain about what I will do, what we will do (for the people)," said Anwar.
The government reduced subsidies as part of its measures to cut the fiscal deficit after receiving a rating downgrade by Fitch Ratings last July. It also planned to implement the goods and services tax (GST) by April 2015. - TMI
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.