PRIME Minister Anwar Ibrahim described foreign media reports on possible fuel subsidy cuts as unethical, saying that no final decision was made at the cabinet level regarding the issue.

“I found recently, maybe because of our firm political stance, the neighbouring and international media continue to attack in terms of negative news, for example, the casino development issue (in Johor)… it was never discussed and never reached my information but it became a hot issue.

“Then the issue of withdrawing diesel subsidy, although there was initial discussion, but there was no final decision regarding the implementation date. 

“The method needs to be explained. The principle is that it does not burden the people,” he told reporters in Butterworth today, reported Bernama.

“We accept the principle of freedom (of the media) but there is an ethic based on facts. Citing information needs to be from a reliable source. This is a matter of policy that requires the government to give notice and make announcements,” he added.

Yesterday, a foreign newspaper reported that Malaysia planned to cut fuel subsidies, as part of economic reform measures.

The report cited industry and government sources who claimed that diesel prices would be floated according to market prices in the weeks following the Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election on May 11.

It also claimed that the move would be followed by a gradual increase in the retail price of petrol.

Following that, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said the cabinet has not discussed price hikes for petrol and diesel yet.

Fahmi, who is also the government’s spokesman, dismissed the international media report.

“I have studied the matter carefully and can confirm here that the matter was not discussed because I am also a cabinet minister. Therefore, don’t put the cart before the horse or don’t announce before it has been announced.

“We are aware that several foreign-based media have preempted the process and I hope all parties, including the media, can obtain information from credible sources,” he had said.

The minister reminded all media to not publish reports based on sources that have not been verified or identified. – May 5, 2024.