KUALA KANGSAR, April 4 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said he is open to discussions with the opposition and any parties willing to help the government find solutions to address the current global energy crisis.
He said any criticism or comments regarding the country’s economic management, especially those involving rising global oil prices, should be based on knowledge and accurate facts, rather than mere empty criticism.
“The economic crisis is beyond our control, although at times the opposition’s rhetoric may sound sophisticated. The entire world is affected by the crisis — not only the oil and gas crisis, but also the broader economic crisis.
"It is not just about the Strait of Hormuz; overall oil production has also been impacted. When oil prices rise, the government and I are criticised. Yet, we are doing our utmost, RON95 remains among the lowest in the world.
"For farmers, fishermen, and public transport, subsidies are provided amounting to RM6 billion a month. So, this is the time for us to engage in constructive discussions, involving both the government and opposition parties,” he said.
Anwar said this at a meet-and-greet session with students and alumni of Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Clifford Kuala Kangsar here today.
Also present were Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek, her deputy Wong Kah Woh, political secretary to the Finance Minister Muhammad Kamil Abdul Munim, and Dewan Negara member as well as the Old Cliffordians’ Association president, Senator Datuk Salehuddin Saidin.
Anwar said in neighbouring countries, including within ASEAN, rationing has already taken place due to fuel shortages, and Malaysia is not exempt from being affected.
He stressed that the government is taking the best possible measures to address the situation while ensuring the people’s burden is not overlooked.
“In one ASEAN country, 400 petrol stations have been closed. Reflect on this, we are not immune to these challenges.
“That is why I urge all parties to focus on what we can do. I have cancelled all overseas visits by leaders and ministers as transportation costs have risen,” he said.
On April 2, Anwar chaired a special meeting with menteris besar and chief ministers to comprehensively review developments in the global energy crisis following the conflict in West Asia.
