Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim described foreign media reports regarding fuel subsidy cuts as unethical and said no final decision was made at the cabinet level regarding the issue.
Anwar was perplexed on the negative reports by neighbouring and international media whom he said continue to attack in terms of negative news, he cited example of the casino development issue (in Johor) saying it was discussed and never reached him which has become hot topic, especially before the byelection
On the withdrawing diesel subsidy, Anwar said although there was initial discussion but there was no final decision regarding the implementation date. The method needs to be explained. The principle is that it does not burden the people he added.
“We accept the principle of freedom (of the media) but there is an ethic based on facts. Citing information needs to be from reliable source. This is a matter of policy that requires the government to give notice and make announcement,” he concluded.
Yesterday, The Straits Times reported that Malaysia planned to cut fuel subsidies as part of economic reform measures.
The report cited industry and government sources who claimed that diesel prices would be floated according to market prices in the weeks following the Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election on May 11.
It also claimed that the move would be followed by a gradual increase in the retail price of petrol.
