KOTA KINABALH: Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali has confirmed receiving a writ of summons over the diesel subsidy exemption in Sabah and Sarawak.
He said the summons was received three weeks ago and his office would consult the Attorney-General's Chambers for further action.
"Other parties named in the lawsuit are the prime minister, who is also finance minister, the transport minister and the federal government.
"The basis of the lawsuit is the allegation that the government is unfair and discriminatory for not implementing the diesel subsidy nationwide.
"It is their right to bring this to court. The government will respond and defend this as it is a policy decision based on facts."
He said the suit involves millions of ringgit.
Armizan said this during a media briefing after inspecting preparations for the Madani Rakyat 2024 Sayangi Sabah programme at the Likas Sports Complex today.
He said the diesel subsidy has not been implemented in Sabah and Sarawak as its effectiveness in the peninsular was still being assessed.
"In Sabah and Sarawak, using diesel vehicles is largely due to necessity rather than choice, mainly because of the road infrastructure and geography in both states.
"Some do not understand the significant price gap for goods and services between Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah and Sarawak.
"We are burdened in Sabah and Sarawak with much higher prices compared with the peninsular.
"We hope for understanding, but we will answer this lawsuit as the policy decision is not based on discriminatory action.
"This government is made up of members of parliament from all over the country.
"The prime minister, although he is from the peninsular, has no intention to discriminate against people.
"Most importantly, this decision was made due to the unique circumstances in Sabah and Sarawak."