PRIME Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim revealed today that he was advised by some parties not to cut the diesel subsidy just before the Sungai Bakap by-election in Penang.
He said he was told to postpone the announcement.
“They advised me to do it after the by-election. But I said no. I said we must face it.
“What’s the point of giving (the people) the wrong message?” he said at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre today.
A blanket diesel subsidy was removed on June 10. The Sungai Bakap by-election is on July 6.
Anwar said his predecessors had wanted to review the diesel subsidy.
“The previous prime ministers and I agreed to implement the target (fuel) subsidy. They all agreed but were not ready to do it because they knew the problems they would have to face,” he said.
Anwar warned school bus operators who hike their fares following the diesel subsidy rationalisation that they risk having their licences suspended or revoked.
“You have been given the subsidies, and if you still hike the prices, watch out!” he said.
“I don’t know about others, but for me, if you increase the price when you have received subsidies, we will revoke your licences. If not, the schoolchildren will be burdened.
“If it’s true that you have not received (the subsidies), apply for the fleet card and we will pay.”
On Tuesday, Transport Minister Anthony Loke said express and school bus operators must not raise fares after the removal of the blanket fuel subsidy.
This was because they were still receiving a diesel subsidy under the subsidised diesel control system. – June 14, 2024.
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