HADI: EX-PM RESPONSIBLE FOR HIGH COST OF LIVING
PM in 1980s disregarded people’s welfare
PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang labelled the prime minister in the 1980s as the person responsible for the high cost of living today.
Without mentioning the former premier’s name, Hadi said the veteran leader changed Malaysia by transforming its administration from safeguarding the people’s welfare to a “corporate country”.
“During (first prime minister) Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra alHaj’s time, the priority was people’s welfare and it was continued during (second prime minister) Tun Abdul Razak Hussein’s tenure, with wakaf (charity) and allocations for the people.
“However, in the 1980s, the prime minister changed the way the country was governed and all sorts of charges were carried out.
“People have to pay school and hospital fees (among others),” he said at the Pas Presidential programme (Majlis Amanat Presiden Pas) at Madrasah Diniah Islamiah (Madi) here on Wednesday night.
He said the changes had caused the cost of living to escalate, due to an increase in prices of goods, and that the people struggled to meet their expenses.
In the ceramah attended by 500 supporters, Hadi reiterated Pas’ stand to be the “kingmaker” in the 14th General Election.
“People ask who do we follow? Barisan Nasional or Pakatan Harapan (the opposition coalition)? We tell them that we follow whoever practises Islamic principles.
“If need be, we can discuss with BN. If need be, we can discuss with Pakatan Harapan.
“If both decide to follow Islamic principles, we can even set up a coalition government.
“However, if both reject this notion, Pas will be the opposition.”