Former economy minister Rafizi Ramli has suggested that Putrajaya temporarily halt large-scale political programmes amid the ongoing global energy crisis, telling politicians to opt for video calls instead.
The Pandan MP stressed that this includes the Madani Rakyat Programme, held annually since 2023.
“The example set by political leaders (mass convoys, political gatherings, and the prime minister’s official trips with entourage) gives the impression of a disconnect between the energy crisis message the public needs to understand and the leaders’ behaviour.
“It would be better if non-essential events - such as the Madani Rakyat programme, large-scale political programmes, and others - are temporarily suspended,” he said on X today.
The former PKR deputy president noted that while this may not save millions of litres of petrol and diesel, it would at least save money and set a good example for the public.
“Just use video calls for now until this crisis is over,” he added.
No trivial matter
Rafizi acknowledged that his opinion might be unpopular, but stressed that the global energy crisis is not a trivial matter.
He warned that if the war in West Asia continues, its effects will be felt in Malaysia as well.
“Petrol and diesel supplies will drop sharply. Government funds will decrease drastically and will no longer be able to maintain prices as they are now.
“Whoever forms the government, this situation is unavoidable,” Rafizi said.
The Madani Rakyat Programme is a federal government initiative that brings the government closer to the people through various activities and direct services.
Among its main objectives are raising public awareness of government policies and assistance, providing on-site services during the programme, and listening to public feedback and complaints.
Earlier, Malaysiakini reported that amid surging fuel prices and supply concerns, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim conducted a series of visits to three states over three days for political and official duties.
Meanwhile, Perikatan Nasional chairperson Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar led a 10km motorcycle convoy with menteris besar from Kelantan, Kedah, and Perlis.
The war in West Asia has lasted over a month, causing global energy supply disruptions due to disturbances along a major trade route, the Strait of Hormuz.
So far, Malaysia has reduced the petrol subsidy quota, allowed selected civil servants to work from home starting next week, and cancelled official government Aidilfitri celebrations. - Mkini
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