SHAH ALAM, 26 Jan: The former Chief Editor of the News Straits Times Press Group (NSTP), Datuk A Kadir Jasin, likened leaders who derided the difficulties of the people facing the rising prices as “shallow minded”.
Without naming specific individuals, Kadir Jasin stressed that the issue of the increase in prices is a serious matter and a reality faced by the people at the moment.
“The increase in prices is very serious. Whoever ridicules it is shallow minded.
“The statements of some leaders regarding the rising prices, whoever ridicules it is shallow minded,” said Kadir, quoted from the Malaysian Insider.
Malaysia’s inflation rate jumped from 2.9 percent in November to 3.2 percent in December 2013, due to the reduction in subsidies and it is expected to increase in 2014.
The rate is the highest since November 2011, the average annual increase in inflation rose from 1.9 percent in November to 2.1 in December.
The increase in fuel prices, electricity tariff, water and sugar, among others, creates a domino effect that causes the prices of all other goods to also increase.
The administration of the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak has received harsh criticisms from the people and his own party leaders for unpopular decisions carried out drastically.
Indirectly acknowledging the pressure faced by the government, Najib, after the Umno Supreme Council Meeting (MT) on Friday, announced that an allocation of RM20 million has been set, aimed to stabilise prices in the market.
“Is the RM20 million allocation sufficient to stabilise the increasing prices of goods which is so widespread?
“I think that in one day, Malaysians spend billions to buy fuel, food, pay electricity bills and pay tolls. So, is the RM20 million enough?” asked Kadir, commenting on the allocation announced by Najib.
Kadir also urged the Federal Government to be stern on the issue of increasing prices of goods by imposing heavier sentence.
Meanwhile, the veteran journalist also wanted the current government to prioritise the rights of the people and not behave like full-time government in addressing the issue raised.
