BUTTERWORTH: There is no firm decision by the cabinet on a price hike for petrol and diesel yet, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He dismissed international media reports on the issue as premature and unethical, emphasising that while discussions had been initiated within the cabinet, no conclusive action had been taken.
Anwar said this was because the government needed to explain the method so as not to burden the people.
"There has been a series of negative reporting, particularly from some neighbouring countries and international media, recently. First it was the casino issue and now, the price hike for petrol and diesel.
"I think it is only proper and ethical if they refer and check the facts (before reporting). For example, the issue of the casino. There is no basis at all. It was never discussed on any level and it is never to my intention or knowledge.
"Secondly, about the price increase… the withdrawal of subsidy for diesel. There is initial discussion in the cabinet but no firm decision by the cabinet.
"I find that lately, maybe because of our stern stand on several political issues, we have come under attack by international media in terms of negative news reporting," he said when asked to comment on international media reports suggesting that the government had decided to announce a price hike for petrol and diesel.
Responding to queries regarding the rationale behind potential fuel price adjustments, Anwar emphasised the government's stance on subsidy rationalisation, aiming to minimise the impact on the public.
He cautioned against sensationalised reporting, urging media to uphold ethical standards and prioritise factual accuracy.
He also addressed concerns regarding international media's reliance on industry sources, asserting the importance of consulting policymakers for accurate information dissemination.
Anwar assured that any official announcements regarding policy changes would be made publicly and transparently.
"When the international media played up the issue, it benefitted the opposition who used this issue. It is as if the opposition is foreign media-oriented. They do not think about facts.
"I see this continuing. We accept the principle of freedom but it must be ethical and based on facts.
"In this matter, the cabinet has not made any final decision. If we want to implement it, I have said that we will not burden the people, for example electricity.
"So, for the opposition to use this issue, we understand that it is their work. But the facts should be explained to the people," he added.
"If the government intends to announce anything, we will announce it by giving notices. There is no secret," he said.
On Friday, foreign media reports said that Malaysia was set to cut fuel subsidies by June, a major economic reform that would be a key test of support for the Pakatan Harapan-led unity government as the public grappled with high living costs.
The media quoting official and industry sources, said that diesel prices would float to market rates in a matter of weeks after the Kuala Kubu Baharu by election on May 11, and it would be followed by a staggered rise in retail rates of petrol.