Abdullah hopes people will not demonstrate over fuel price hike

PUTRAJAYA, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said he hopes that the people of Malaysia will not take to the streets to vent their anger over the fuel price hike announced Wednesday.

He said although there had been an increase in prices of fuel and goods in the country, their costs were still the lowest in Asia.

"I hope the people will not resort to street demonstrations because what we are doing now is the best decision under the circumstances," said Abdullah after announcing the Subsidy Restructuring Package here.

He said this when asked if Malaysians were expected to demonstrate in light of the hike in fuel and diesel prices starting Thursday.

Asked who is to be blamed for the spiralling price of oil in the international market, forcing many nations to face unrest and instability, Abdullah said there are many parties to be blamed for the global shortage of oil.

However, Abdullah said he was pleased that the issue was being addressed at the global level before it spread further and caused more instability.

Bernama
05/06/08