Malaysia

Rational people will understand: Rafizi shrugs off criticism on supply-demand remarks

Sceptics in Perikatan Nasional will see results in month’s time, says economy minister

Updated 1 year ago · Published on 25 Dec 2022 4:18PM

Rational people will understand: Rafizi shrugs off criticism on supply-demand remarks
Rafizi Ramli says while the Economy Ministry will be doing its part to manage inflation rates, the people should opt for cheaper options to send a message to traders. – AZIM RAHMAN/The Vibes file pic, December 25, 2022

by Susan Albert

KUALA LUMPUR – Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli has brushed off criticism by political detractors in Perikatan Nasional (PN) over his comments in urging consumers not to support businesses that set exorbitant prices for their goods.

Doing so will help drive down prices of goods and return power to the consumers, reiterated Rafizi today in a Twitter thread today.

The Pandan MP then explained that rational people would eventually understand his message and its implications.

“(I’m) not afraid of opinions from the public.

“Insya-Allah (God-willing), rational people will understand and follow through.

“In a month’s time, the PN gang who questioned this will be in awe (of the results).

“(It is) similar to when they question other controversies…(we) have produced all the arguments, and people who are smart will understand,” he said in a Twitter post today.

Rafizi again explained that Malaysia needs a more elastic demand-and-supply ecosystem, adding that stakeholders must play their part.

“We need to spur elasticity in the supply chain as a price control mechanism. 

“There is a lot of price data that can be used by the people. We will begin with this one. 

“Insya-Allah, we will gradually restore the power of the consumers,” he said, as quoted by The Vibes’ sister publication, Getaran.

In the same Twitter thread, Rafizi said he has never backed down from having difficult conversations, even when he criticised former PKR leader Datuk Seri Azmin Ali in 2016 and spoke about Pakatan Harapan needing to focus to win 80 seats in the 15th general election.

The same goes with the issue of rising prices, said Rafizi.

Last Friday, Rafizi had urged consumers to do their part by buying cheaper goods to drive down prices.

He noted that while the ministry will be doing its part to manage inflation rates, the people should opt for cheaper options to send a message to traders.

“I’m not saying that you should boycott sellers (who averagely sell their products at higher prices), but there are a lot of substitutes that consumers can opt for instead.

“I myself do not buy expensive coffee. For me, RM3 for a coffee is considered expensive,” he said. – The Vibes, December 25, 2022

Related News

Malaysia / 2d

7.7 mil people registered in Padu, 2.5 mil cyberattacks, but not one success: Rafizi

Malaysia / 4d

Something fishy: More leaders berate Rafizi as Padu deadline draws near

Malaysia / 3w

Why give funds to opposition without strict conditions, ask Selangor govt insiders

Malaysia / 2mth

My focus is on leading country, PM declines comment on plot to topple govt

Malaysia / 2mth

Padu system to avoid leakages in distribution of subsidies, aid, says PM

Malaysia / 3mth

Kemaman win a gift for PN on Madani govt’s anniversary, says Hamzah

Spotlight

Events

UK alumni lauded for stellar achievements as British Council observes 75 years in Malaysia

Malaysia

Don’t let politicians, activists stir up hatred against KK Mart, PBK tells cops

By The Vibes Team

Malaysia

7.7 mil people registered in Padu, 2.5 mil cyberattacks, but not one success: Rafizi

By Stephen Then

Malaysia

Farewell Aunty Bersih, you will be missed

By Ian McIntyre

Malaysia

Couple make two trips to workshop to find trapped kitten in car

Malaysia

KK Mart founder, director charged with wounding religious feelings of others over 'Allah' socks

By The Vibes Team

You may be interested

Malaysia

Blanket of red as tens of thousands of jellyfish washed ashore at KK beach

By The Vibes Team

Malaysia

Petrol bomb incident an irresponsible act of violence, says DAP youth

By The Vibes Team

Malaysia

Forest fires at Sarawak-Brunei border the size of 220 football fields

By Stephen Then

Malaysia

Water bombing carried out to douse massive Sarawak forest fires

By Stephen Then

Malaysia

Sabah orders immediate water supply to over 50,000 households

By Jason Santos

Malaysia

Review of taxation structure, SARA among focus of parliament today

Malaysia

MCA Youth latest to condemn petrol bomb attack at KK Mart outlet

By The Vibes Team

Malaysia

Penang’s iconic Komtar set to undergo major make-over

By Ian McIntyre