Another Pakatan Harapan elected representative has warned that a larger public protest could occur unless the government takes immediate actions to resolve the food crisis.
Addressing a crowd protesting outside Masjid Jamek Kampung Baru, Taman Templer assemblyperson Sany Hamzan gave the government 11 days to meet three demands before plans for a public protest on July 16.
"We give the government 11 days (to fulfil demands), or else wait for July 16, and we will hold a large-scale rally in the capital," said Sany.
The three demands relate to the reform of the import permit (AP) system and the removal of subsidies.
Several Harapan leaders and their supporters gathered outside the mosque after Friday prayers today for a brief protest against rising prices.
Among leaders present include Amanah communications director Khalid Samad, Johor DAP deputy chief Sheikh Umar Bagharib Ali and Permatang Pasir assemblyperson Faiz Fadzil who read out the three demands.
"This is because we are certain the country has significant income. The national income should be used to help the people through subsidies.
"That is our first demand... to relieve the people's burdens, we demand subsidies," Faiz said.
The second demand, he said, relates to the dismantling of the AP system for food items, alleging it had created a monopoly that contributed to the shortage of certain items.
"For us, it (AP) is an outdated system that should no longer be practised," he added.
Meanwhile, the third demand was for Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob to convene a special Parliament session on the issue of food security.
The demands today were made despite Ismail Sabri's announcement on May 18 that the government has agreed not to impose, with immediate effect, the AP requirement to import foodstuffs into the country.
The government had also backed down on its decision to float chicken prices by reinstating subsidies previously channelled directly to chicken farmers. - Mkini
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