By Mahathir Mohd Rais
During a recent event in Sungai Bakap for the launch of Pakatan Harapan’s campaign machinery for the by-election, Minister of Economic Affairs Rafizi Ramli was confronted with pointed questions from the audience about the steep rise in diesel prices to RM3.35 per litre, an increase of RM1.20.
Rather than addressing these concerns directly from the podium, Rafizi chose to invite the questioner to the stage, a decision that many interpreted as an attempt to manage the narrative rather than openly address the issue.
Compounding the tension, some PH supporters in the audience reacted negatively towards the man who posed the question, displaying rudeness that did little to foster a constructive environment.
This behavior from the crowd added an element of hostility to the proceedings, making the space less about open dialogue and more about defending party lines.
This episode raises several critical questions: What was Rafizi’s real intention behind inviting the questioner onstage?
Was it a genuine attempt at transparency, or a strategic move to deflect a difficult question without giving a solid answer?
Moreover, Rafizi’s defense of the government’s policy on subsidy cuts, citing economic sustainability, felt like a distant echo amid the immediate financial pressures faced by the audience.
How does sustaining an economy with high fuel prices help the common man today, or even tomorrow?
Considering Rafizi’s history of promising formulas to reduce oil prices—a claim that now rings hollow in the ears of those struggling to fill their tanks.
Why have these formulas not materialiaed into effective policy changes?
Is the public expected to simply trust that these plans are still underway, or should they resign themselves to the notion that such promises were merely political rhetoric?
Rafizi, once a proponent of innovative solutions to reduce oil prices, now appears to be part of the problem, having failed to implement his promised formulas.
The public’s reaction was not just about fuel prices but a broader expression of frustration and anger at feeling misled and marginalised by those in power.
This has led to calls for immediate, concrete action to alleviate economic burdens, a transparent approach to policy-making, and a restoration of trust that has been severely eroded.
Moreover, if Rafizi cannot withstand the heat of direct questions from the public on critical issues such as fuel prices, it may be time for him to consider stepping down. It is both embarrassing and disheartening to see someone who campaigned to reduce oil prices now aligning with actions that do the opposite. Leadership requires resilience in the face of adversity and steadfast adherence to one’s principles, especially when those principles form the basis of public support.
If Rafizi is unable to maintain these standards, resigning might be the most honorable action, paving the way for someone more committed to the public welfare and consistency in policy advocacy.
About the author: Mahathir Mohd Rais is the Bersatu Federal Territories information chief. This is an opinion column. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of this publication.
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