PRIME Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has given assurance that the government will not raise the price of RON95 petrol, even if there is a sharp increase in global crude oil prices due to geopolitical tensions involving Iran and Israel.
He said that although the price increase benefits the national petroleum company, the government aims to avoid burdening the people with higher fuel costs.
“Oil prices fluctuate. Currently, it is relatively low. (If) there is a sharp increase, the returns are good for Petronas, but it affects other countries. We are not increasing fuel prices,” he said as reported by Bernama.
Anwar, who is also PKR president, told reporters this after a meeting with the Johor PKR leadership today.
At the same time, Anwar stressed that fiscal policies, including the reimplementation of the Sales and Service Tax (SST), must be implemented carefully so as not to pressure the lower-income (B40) and middle-income (M40) groups.
“Sometimes people get confused. For example, it was said that bananas are subject to SST. It’s imported bananas. But we will clarify the matter. The important thing is, we do not want to burden the lower-income group,” he said.
He also suggested that government departments and agencies serve local fruits during official functions to support domestic production.
“For official receptions or government office events, use local food and fruits only. It’s doable. Let’s support local products,” he added.
Anwar said the government is open to reviewing the list of goods and services subject to tax if there is confusion or unfairness in its implementation.
Commenting further on the issue of SST on educational institutions, the prime minister explained that tax is only imposed on international schools that charge fees above a certain high threshold.
“Regular schools, private schools that charge RM10,000 or RM20,000 are not taxed. But if it's RM60,000 a year, then pay a little tax,” he said.
Anwar also stressed that tax revenue will be used to fund public needs such as the construction of schools and the upgrading of public healthcare facilities.
“Wherever I go, hospitals are crowded. Many schools also need repairs. We need funds, and those come from taxes, but not from ordinary citizens. We target the upper class and foreign sectors,” he said.
Appointment of IGP yet to be finalised
Meanwhile, Anwar did not disclose if the name of the individual who will be appointed as the new Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to replace Tan Sri Razarudin Husain, whose contract is scheduled to end on June 22, has been finalised or not.
He also declined to say whether a list had been submitted to the palace.
"But who told you? Is it true? I'll ask the King later," he quipped when asked by reporters about the matter.
Anwar's statement came after media reports claimed that a list of IGP candidates had been finalised by the government and submitted to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
The appointment of the IGP is the prerogative of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, based on the Prime Minister's advice, as stipulated under Article 140 of the Federal Constitution.
Razarudin was appointed as the 14th Inspector-General of Police for a two-year contract after his retirement, effective June 23, 2023, succeeding Tan Sri Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani. – June 19, 2025
