Search the Community

KUALA LUMPUR: A Malaysian government minister set to take part in an unprecedented live television debate Tuesday (15 July) with opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim on unpopular fuel prices rises is willing to resign if he performs badly, his aide said. Anwar, known for his oratory skills, has slammed last month's hike of gasoline prices by 41% and diesel prices by 63%, and promised to lower prices if the opposition forms the government. The government says the hikes were inevitable because the country can no longer afford the massive subsidies that kept fuel prices low for decades. Even now, fuel in Malaysia is one of the cheapest in the region. "It is my responsibility to defend and explain the government's policies," Information Minister Ahmad Shabery Cheek told the local media Monday (14 July). "If I cannot provide the people with the proper explanations, then I fail to do my job." His aide, who declined to be named citing protocol, confirmed the minister's comments, adding, "If he fails to deliver the debate tonight, it's up to the Cabinet to decide whether they need a new minister." The debate is the first involving a minister discussing government policies with the opposition on television. All mainstream media is government-linked, and opposition parties have long complained of getting no fair exposure. Ahmad Shabery has dismissed the opposition promise to reduce fuel prices as misleading. Anwar has said he wanted to debate with Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi or his deputy but would settle for Ahmad Shabery. (By JULIA ZAPPEI/ AP) http://www.mysinchew.com/node/13867?tid=14 got balls... steady!