SHAH ALAM - PKR has criticised Pas President Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang, accusing him of living in a fantasy and trying to mislead the public regarding the recent rise in fuel prices.
Hadi claimed that there was no reason for the government to raise fuel prices, arguing that Malaysian ships were not included in the restricted passage list at the Strait of Hormuz.
PKR’s Bureau for Religious Understanding and Strengthening Chairman, Amidi Abdul Manan, challenged this reasoning, pointing out that the Strait of Hormuz only accounts for 20 per cent of global oil supply.
The remaining 80 per cent moves through other routes and has no connection to the Strait.
“So why have global oil prices surged sharply even though the majority of oil does not pass through the Strait of Hormuz? It is clearly linked to the total supply produced by oil-producing countries and the rising operational costs.
“Media reports showing a 30 per cent reduction in oil production by Gulf countries had significantly impacted global oil supply, which in turn pushed prices higher,” Amidi said.
Hadi had also argued that there was no strong reason for fuel prices to increase in Peninsular Malaysia, citing the country’s own petroleum resources and the exemption of Sabah and Sarawak from the price hike as proof that the rationale for the increase was questionable.
He further claimed that Malaysia was not affected by sanctions against Iran due to public support for the Islamic nation’s sovereignty.
Amidi questioned whether Hadi’s statements were deliberate or made unconsciously.
“The failure to understand and assess a situation can have negative consequences. In this case, Hadi is trying to present the view that the rise in fuel prices is the result of government mismanagement.
“Ultimately, it fuels hatred and anger that could threaten the country’s political stability, which would benefit Pas’ narrow political agenda,” he added.