Diesel announcement an attempt to buy votes, says Dr Wee

 

PETALING JAYA: The latest diesel price cut is an attempt by Pakatan Harapan to buy votes ahead of the impending Johor elections, said MCA President Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.

Dr Wee said the Madani government had spent months telling Malaysians that diesel prices tracked global rates, only to lower the price before the Johor polls on July 11.

“Suddenly, when the state elections are near, we are taught a new economic theory - that diesel prices do not follow global prices, but state elections.

“Prices of diesel suddenly reduced on July 1 when Johoreans go to the ballot box on July 11.

“Is this a coincidence? Don’t treat Johoreans like children,” said Dr Wee in a TikTok video on Tuesday (June 23).

Dr Wee then referred to a remark made by Transport Minister Anthony Loke during a Pakatan event in Bukit Gambir, where he spoke about the diesel subsidy and the state polls.

“They knew that during this event, there was political value. They knew that this would allow them to influence voters.

“So, is this an economic policy or election candy?” questioned Dr Wee.

According to Dr Wee, regular Malaysians and traders have weathered high diesel prices as it cascades through the supply chain, leading to a higher cost of living.

“The people have already paid the price, and traders have raised their prices. Inflation has also set in.

“But, when the election is close by, suddenly diesel is cheap, and there is a 200 litre quota under MyKad,” he said.

Dr Wee said this election candy by the government is an insult to Johoreans.

“Johor locals are not for sale. Their votes that will last for the next five years will not be bought by 200 litres of diesel.

On June 23, Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan announced that beginning July 1, a basic 200-litre subsidy quota for diesel priced at RM2.10 per litre will be provided under the Budi Madani Diesel programme.

Recently, at a Pakatan candidate announcement event in Bukit Gambir, Johor, Loke claimed that Malaysia was one of the few countries where diesel prices have reduced despite spiking global crude oil prices.

“No other country was able to do this,” added Loke.

- Star