The Prime Minister, who is also the finance minister, said the government had to ensure the country's finances remained stable, as lowering the prices of RON95 petrol and diesel involved substantial expenditure.
"Take fuel prices, for example. Do you think it's easy (to reduce them)? Yes, we have lowered them, but if we want to reduce them further, it gives us a headache. We have to spend a lot of money. Where are we going to find the funds?
"But if we don't lower prices, the people suffer and businesses struggle. That's why we reduced the price of RON95. Our fuel price is among the lowest in the world.
"Then there are those who say this PMX has lowered the price of RON95 but not diesel. They are still unhappy. So we have to find a way and discuss it. Diesel prices are high and we want to lower them too, but it is not easy. Sometimes supply is not yet sufficient," he said.
He was speaking at the Sentuhan Sahabat Madani Bukit Batu programme here today. Also present was Pakatan Harapan candidate for Bukit Batu Arthur Chiong Sen Sern.
Anwar said the government could not take hasty or drastic measures in deciding the best approach to lowering fuel prices.
"I see people riding motorcycles to plantations and farms, and many use diesel. School buses and public transport also run on diesel.
"But we have to plan carefully. If I move too quickly without proper preparations, it could harm the country.
"Right now, diesel is priced at RM2.10, which is among the lowest in the world," he said.
He urged the people to remain patient, saying the government was working to improve its policies to better address the rising cost of living.
At the same event, Anwar also reaffirmed the government's commitment to strengthening governance and combating corruption and abuse of power to ensure the country's resources were fully utilised for the benefit of the people.
He said corruption and leakages had deprived the country of financial resources that should have been used to improve basic facilities such as schools, hospitals, roads and assistance for those in need.
"We do not want the country's money to be misappropriated. If the nation's revenue is managed properly, more assistance and public facilities can be provided for the people," he said.
He also reminded the people to choose leaders with integrity and reject those who abused the trust placed in them for personal gain.
Anwar said the government was focused on strengthening the national economy, attracting high quality investments and ensuring the benefits of development were enjoyed by all Malaysians, regardless of race or background.
He said institutional reform and good governance would remain among the government's top priorities as it worked to build a more competitive nation that is respected and trusted by the international community. - NST
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.