Pulai MP: BN to face bigger defeat if prices rise further

Pulai MP and Public Accounts Committee chairperson Nur Jazlan Mohamed said BN risks losing much more heavily in the 14th general election in the city and its outskirts if the government fails to address the hike in prices of goods and services.

Commenting on the expected rise in goods and services, the Pulai MP was quoted as saying in Sinar Harian that as a result of the hike, people are angry and would not vote for the present government.

“In the 13th general election we already lost in the city and in the next general election we will lose heavily in the city and its outskirts if the issue is not addressed,” he said, adding that some of those expected rpice hikes can be delayed further.

The government, he said, should decide in the country’s best interests.

Nur Jazlan said when you delay (in raising tolls), the country is now faced with the prospect of implementing a higher increase in tolls.

The government has recently announced a planned hike inelectricity tariffs and this is followed by an imminent rise in toll by several highway concessionaires.

Even another BN lawmaker in Kepala Batas. Reezal Merican Naina Merican, had reminded the BN of its election manifesto pledge to reduce toll charges.

The Pulai MP further added that the decision is left to the government whether to defer the hike further or proceed with it.

“If it is deferred further, the people have to face the prospect of facing rising costs, as the costs are expected to escalate more,” he said.

Kota Tinggi MP Noor Ehsanuddin Mohd Harun said the people are angry as no adequate explanation has been given by the related agencies.

He said increases in toll and electricity charges have happened before in the past and are nothing new.

“The agencies involved should help explain and engage with the public from the start,” he said.

Prior to the announced hike in electricity and tariff, the country had also seen a hike in sugar and petrol prices this year when the government reduced or withdraw its subsidy.