PENGGARAM: Putrajaya’s move to rationalise fuel subsidies is meant to ensure national resources are better managed and targeted at Malaysians, says Anthony Loke.
The DAP secretary-general said the government was aware of the cost-of-living pressure faced by the people, but added that subsidy reforms were necessary to prevent leakages and ensure long-term sustainability.
“We are trying our best to ensure the country’s wealth and resources are managed properly,” he said during a ceramah here in support of DAP’s Penggaram candidate Felicia Poh Rui Ling on Tuesday (June 30).
Loke, who is also Transport Minister, said Malaysia was an oil-producing country, but stressed that public resources must be managed prudently to keep government spending sustainable and ensure subsidies reach Malaysians.
He said targeted subsidies were needed as subsidised fuel had previously also been enjoyed by foreigners.
Loke said despite global uncertainties, including the conflict in the Middle East, the government had managed to keep Ron 95 prices stable for Malaysians.
He added that eligible Malaysians would also be able to enjoy subsidised diesel through MyKad verification.
On the Johor polls, Loke said the outcome would have an impact beyond the state, including on the position of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and the stability of the unity government.
Loke said Malaysia had regained political stability under Anwar after several years of political uncertainty, during which the country saw three prime ministers within five years.
He said Johor’s development also depended on close cooperation between the state and federal governments, especially in attracting foreign investment.
“We do not deny the state government’s contribution, but it must also work with the federal government. Only then can the economy and investment come in,” he said.
Loke cited the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone as an example of cooperation between Putrajaya and the state government.
He also said the Prime Minister's overseas trips were not for leisure but to strengthen Malaysia’s trade and diplomatic ties.
On DAP’s choice of candidate, Loke said the party decided to field 28-year-old Poh because it believed in giving young people and women the opportunity to lead.
