KUALA LUMPUR – PKR deputy secretary-general Sivamalar Genapathy has criticised Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin over his remarks on the diesel subsidy issue, describing them as misleading and lacking full economic context.
She said the statement once again repeated an outdated, emotionally driven narrative that failed to take into account the realities of the current economic landscape and the long-overdue need for subsidy reforms.
“At a time when Malaysians are preparing for Aidilfitri, such statements risk creating narrow perceptions without understanding the necessity of restructuring national fuel subsidies,” she said in a statement.
Sivamalar, who is also a PKR central leadership council (MPP) member, stressed that the previous subsidy system had long been plagued by serious leakages amounting to billions of ringgit annually.
“More concerning is that a portion of these subsidies did not benefit Malaysians, but were instead misused, including through smuggling activities and by ineligible parties,” she said.
She noted that despite global oil price pressures driven by ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, the government continues to maintain fuel price controls, with RON95 remaining subsidised at around RM1.99 per litre compared to market-priced RON97 at approximately RM3.85.
“This clearly reflects the government’s commitment to protecting the majority of the rakyat. However, such efforts have not been acknowledged and are instead overshadowed by negative narratives,” she added.
On the diesel subsidy rationalisation, Sivamalar said the targeted approach was necessary to curb leakages and ensure subsidies reach those who genuinely need them.
She added that the policy also safeguards critical sectors such as logistics, public transportation and agriculture through specific mechanisms introduced by the government.
At the same time, she said various mitigation measures have been implemented to manage the potential impact on the cost of living.
Among them is the early disbursement of RM1.3 billion under the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) programme to 5.2 million recipients ahead of Aidilfitri.
Additional assistance has also been extended to civil servants, pensioners and veterans, alongside special recognition for over 70,000 mosque personnel including imams, bilal and KAFA teachers.
Sivamalar said calls to delay the implementation of targeted subsidies may appear popular but do not address the root issues.
“The country cannot be governed through postponement without clear direction. This is precisely the kind of approach that contributed to the structural weaknesses we face today,” she said.
She also challenged the opposition to present a clear and workable mitigation plan if they genuinely intend to safeguard the rakyat.
“Stop shallow politics. Malaysians today are more discerning they judge based on action, not rhetoric,” she said. -MalayaDailyToday
