Just as Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak was preparing to read out the Budget 2018 speech, a small group staged a demonstration in protest of recent fuel price hikes near the Parliament building today.
Fifteen people, representing the Gerakan Turunkan Harga Minyak (Gertak) campaign, held up a banner saying “Honk as a sign of protest against rising fuel prices” along with signs saying “Don’t oppress the rakyat” as they chanted “turun turun, harga minyak” (bring down fuel prices).
Gertak coordinator Faiz Fadzil (centre in photo) said the movement was established today in conjunction with the tabling of the budget.
“Fuel prices are the main factor affecting the economy today...the rise in the price of goods can be linked to it.
“We want prices to be reduced in a stable way, not just as general election goodies.
“If the government does not stabilise fuel prices...the people will have no choice but to change the government in the next general election,” he told reporters.
Despite being Amanah Youth deputy chief and admitting that most in the group today were party members, Faiz maintained that Gertak was independent of any political parties.
He added that police had barred them from demonstrating in front of the Parliament building.
The group dispersed after about 30 minutes, just as Najib began his speech.
Pakatan Harapan’s shadow budget, released on Wednesday, had promised RM1 billion in fuel subsidies should the coalition take Putrajaya in the 14th general election.
Last month, Amanah Youth had called for similar protests to be held nationwide, with most of them materialising.
Fuel prices, released every Wednesday since March 30, have been on an upward trend.
Rates are determined by global oil prices based on the Mean of Platts Singapore (MOPS) and the ringgit's strength against the US dollar.
- Mkini
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