PAS should be making noise over issues that affect the people rather than talking about curtailing individual choices, DAP lawmaker Lim Lip Eng said today.

The Kepong MP said the Islamist party should be fighting over the rise in bread prices instead of protesting against international artistes holding concerts in Malaysia.

“This is very important because the increase in the prices of staple food such as bread affects all levels of society, while attending a concert is an individual’s choice,” he said in a statement.

“However, this matter is not seen as something important for PAS to fight for. On the other hand, PAS cares more about trivial issues like music.”

He said PAS must stop using religion to fight for useless issues that do not benefit many people.

“There are many other problems that are spreading in the country that need to be emphasised such as corruption and inflation,” he said.

Last week, PAS’ youth wing threatened to take to the streets for nationwide protests if Putrajaya continues to allow international concerts in the country.

The wing’s chief, Ahmad Fadhli Shaari, said concerts spread a “culture of hedonism” and go against “the norms and values of Muslim life” in Malaysia.

Yesterday, bread producer Gardenia said it would increase the prices of its products for the second time in less than a year effective September 1 due to the impact of inflation on raw materials. 

From Thursday, Gardenia Original Classic 400g will cost RM3 (up 20 sen); Original Classic Jumbo 600g, RM4.30 (up 30 sen); and Breakthru Wholewheat 400g, RM4 (up 40 sen).

PAS is part of the ruling pact in the federal government. – August 29, 2022.