PM: I know you are angry

The Star, Kuala Lumpur


PM: I know you are angry
Measures soon to lessen people's burden

By Mergawati Zulfakar and V.P. Sujata
newsdesk@the star.com.my

PUTRA JAYA: Acknowledging he was aware that people were angry over the Government's decision to increase fuel prices, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said he would announce soon measures to lessen the burden of those adversely affected.

The Prime Minister said the Government had to make a decision, which it new was going to be popular. But, he added, it was an action that could not be avoided.

"People are angry. Yes, I know," he said when launching the Public Complaints Bureau's public opinion polls at the Putra Jaya Convention Centre here yesterday.

"It is not something that the Government derives pleasure from. But it is our responsibility to determine the best action during a certain time.

"However, I am also aware there are those who are exploiting the issue for political mileage.

"The government is responsible for ensuring that the effects of the increase on the public on the public will not be severe."

Asked later at a press conference, the Prime Minister declined to reveal the measures or when they would be announced.

"We have yet to decide whether to make the announcement before or after the tabling of the 9th Malaysia Plan," he added.

Abdullah said he was also aware of websites and poison-pen letters that were distorting facts about the price increase.

"The poison-pen letters which I have read are completely untrue. The opposition parties are clearly exploiting the fuel price increase for poliitical gain."

Regarding Tenaga Nasional Bhd's (TNB) proposal to increase electricity tariffs, the Prime Minister said that while the Government understood TNB's reason for seeking an increase, it would have to think carefully how this would affect the people.

"We have not made any decision yet. We need to think of the effects on the people, especially at this moment," he said."It was the same thing when we decided to reduce the fuel subsidy. Fuel prices would rise to but we determined the amount of increase so that we could cushion the impact a bit."