KUALA LUMPUR – Holding street demonstrations is not an issue in a democratic country, but newly minted Jihad Against Inflation task force chairman Tan Sri Annuar Musa said never in the world’s history have inflation rates plunged after a protest.
When asked about Saturday’s #Turun protest, the communications and multimedia minister invited the demonstration’s organisers to meet with him and share proposals to address the country’s inflation rates.
“Those who want to have a demo, demo lah. Just that I haven’t found – in the history of the world – that inflation would decrease after a demo.
“Other countries’ inflation rates are at 8%, 10%. There’s no demo. Here, we have (an inflation rate of) 2.8%, we have demonstrations. Others would say, ‘what are we (doing)’, right?” he told reporters after an award ceremony held yesterday in conjunction with Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation’s silver jubilee.
“Demo leaders, when they’re free, come and meet me. Let’s share ideas. I’m not that smart to handle all of it on my own. I’m not Superman.”
He added that the special inflation task force will be inviting experts, such as Bank Negara Malaysia, and admitted that there are influencing factors that are not under the government’s control.
His appointment by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob to head the task force had garnered criticism, with opposition leaders questioning the establishment of yet another task force to address rising living costs.
Several lawmakers said the setting up of the task force would result in unnecessary expenditures and little gain, while being redundant as Malaysia already has the National Recovery Council and the National Action Council on Cost of Living.
At least eight youths involved in Saturday’s demonstration had been summoned for questioning yesterday at the Dang Wangi district police headquarters.
The protest, which was held at the Pasar Seni LRT station here, saw about 100 students and youth activists gather to air their grievances over the government’s alleged lack of substantive action in handling the spike in the prices of goods.
The hour-long event was carried out under the watchful eye of some 50 police officers in plain clothes and uniform, including manpower from the Criminal Investigation Department.
Last Friday, Amanah took to the streets in a brief protest outside Masjid Jamek in Kg Baru to vent their frustration on the same issue, promising to organise a bigger gathering if their demands from the government are not met by July 16.
Police also called in 10 Pakatan Harapan leaders who participated in the protest, with an investigation being launched under Section 9(5) of the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012.
On June 18, thousands marched to Parliament Square in London to protest against the UK government’s lack of action in tackling the cost of living crisis.
The UK’s Office for National Statistics said inflation rose from 9% in April to 9.1% in May, the highest since February 1982. – The Vibes, July 4, 2022
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