Ringgit’s value nearing ‘Rahmah’ price, Sanusi lampoons PM

 

PAS MUKTAMAR | Kedah Menteri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor has lampooned Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s alleged failure to govern the country following the drop in the ringgit’s value against the US dollar.

Taking on a sarcastic tone, Sanusi even pointed out that the value of the ringgit compared to the dollar is fast approaching the price of Menu Rahmah at RM5.

“(Arau MP) Shahidan Kassim sent me a Whatsapp (message), he said ringgit to dollar is now 4.78. That’s almost the price of ‘Rahmah’ which is RM5,” he said during a public speaking event among four menteris besar held in conjunction with the 69th PAS Muktamar at the Ideal Convention Centre (IDCC) in Shah Alam, Selangor last night. 

“If the ringgit continues to fall, the price of goods we buy from overseas will become more expensive because our currency’s value has declined. If we imported food at RM80 billion last month, it would be RM90 billion or RM100 billion the next month.

“When he (Anwar) was in the opposition, he always said that those governing at that time were not good at taking care of the country.

“Now we can say the same to him, our currency’s value is dropping because he doesn’t know how to govern.”

Sanusi’s jibe came after ringgit fell to its lowest rate against the US dollar in 25 years on Thursday (Oct 19).

The currency dropped by 0.3 percent to 4.7635 per dollar, the weakest since the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis.

According to a report by Bloomberg, the ringgit traded easier at 4.7615/7650 against the greenback from Wednesday’s close of 4.7445/7485.

Last week, Anwar told Parliament that the government, through Bank Negara Malaysia, is exploring initiatives to encourage countries to trade in local currencies.

This is in line with his view for Malaysia to reduce its reliance on the US dollar in trade and investments.

Anwar said Malaysia has held several negotiations with China, Indonesia, and Thailand and has begun using local currencies in its transactions.

Rayer should ‘be a man’

Meanwhile, Sanusi, who is also Kedah PAS chief, had challenged Jelutong MP RSN Rayer to present evidence that he had insulted Anwar.

Sanusi was responding to Rayer’s statement in the Dewan Rakyat that claimed that Anwar did not want to meet the former as he had always hurled verbal abuses towards the premier.

“If Jelutong (MP) is a man, come in front of me. Don’t ‘bark’ at the back of the Dewan Rakyat.

“I want to know what insults I said. Come and give me the details.

“I’m wondering what it could be,” he asserted.

Also present were Perlis Menteri Besar Mohd Shukri Ramli, Kelantan Menteri Besar Mohd Nassuruddin Daud,
and Terengganu Menteri Besar Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar.

The pouring rain did not stop PAS supporters from showing up to listen to speeches by the four aforementioned menteris besar which ended at almost midnight.

An estimated 500-strong crowd from all walks of life appeared unbothered by the muddy field as they sat on plastic chairs arranged under a white tent that was erected in the IDCC compound.  - Mkini