If policy flip-flops help rakyat, I’ll do it, says PM

 

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim dismissed claims he had flip-flopped over subsidising chicken and eggs and providing JPA scholarships for students pursuing studies in medicine, dentistry and pharmacy. (Bernama pic)

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim says he has no issue with flip-flopping on public policies if these decisions help the people.

This comes after the government decided to maintain subsidies for chicken and eggs, and the public services department’s (JPA) scholarships for students pursuing studies in medicine, dentistry and pharmacy.Anwar dismissed the claim by Zulkafperi Hanapi (PN-Tanjung Karang) that he had flip-flopped over the two issues, telling the Dewan Rakyat that discontinuing the JPA scholarship was an “old decision”.

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Anwar said the unity government decided to maintain the scholarship after chairing a special meeting with the department last week.

He also said he had decided not to proceed with floating the prices of chicken and eggs in the market from July 1 after considering the recommendation of the agriculture and food security, and domestic trade and cost of living ministries.

He said it was also in view of the upcoming Hari Raya Haji celebration, expected to fall on June 29.

“It’s not a flip-flop. The previous decision was based on existing processes. But I was asked to review it as it would burden the rakyat. And with Hari Raya Haji nearing, we (decided to) help the rakyat.

“Even if it is a flip-flop, I don’t mind doing it if it is to help the rakyat.”

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