Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the Cabinet had discussed the withdrawal of the diesel subsidy but no final decision was made regarding the implementation date. (Bernama pic)
BUTTERWORTH: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim described foreign media reports regarding fuel subsidy cuts as unethical because the Cabinet has not made any final decision on the issue.
“Maybe because of our firm political stance, neighbouring and international media continue to attack us in terms of negative news. For example, the alleged casino development issue (in Johor) … it was never discussed but it became a hot issue.
“On the issue of withdrawing diesel subsidy, there was some initial discussions but no final decision regarding the implementation date. The method needs to be explained,” he told reporters after attending a meeting with community leaders at a hotel here today.
Anwar criticised foreign media reports for quoting information from unreliable sources.
“We respect the principle of press freedom but reports should be based on facts. The information needs to be from reliable sources. This is a matter of policy that requires the government to give notice and make an announcement,” he said.
Yesterday, a foreign newspaper reported that the government planned to cut fuel subsidies as part of its economic reform measures.
The report cited industry and government sources who claimed that diesel prices would be floated according to market prices in the weeks following the Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election on May 11.
It also claimed that the move would be followed by a gradual increase in the retail price of petrol.
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