Anwar and Shabery shake hands at the end of the debate. So what do you think? Who was the more convincing? Respond to the poll on the sidebar.
2151: Why don’t you give your ideas without talk of changing government, Dato Seri?
Anwar: If they accept our suggestion, we will support them. In Feb 2006, after an earlier price hike, there was 4.8 per cent inflation. Now, after the price hike, inflation has soared to nearly 8 per cent in a month. Venezuela and Iran may have low oil price and high inflation, but we now have high oil price and high inflation! Look at the countries around us – how we have lost out to them in competitiveness. I still believe Malaysia, with its resources, has the potential if it cleans up its act.
Shabery: Mahathir has been blamed for the IPPs, but Anwar was once singing the praises of Mahathir. He should have resigned back then. Why is he only talking about a 50-sen reduction now when the oil price was RM1.92 before the election and he promised to reduce it then? We will only burden the country with high subsidies and could end up in debt to international “money lenders”.
Petronas alone (not the group) gives 91 per cent of its profit to the government. What else is there to give? Petronas is strong because of the government of Umno and BN. We do not burden Petronas but allow it to reinvest. About this talk of abuse of power – we are not alone in raising prices; it’s a global problem.
Anwar: Among oil producers, our price is high. If we want our economy to be strong, if we continue in this direction, our economy will be severely undermined. That’s why I am committed to explaining to the people. I will not respond to Shabery’s personal attacks. I don’t have space on RTM after this. I give you my assurance that i will contest in a by-election in the shortest time.
Shabery: Anwar hasn’t changed much. Those who built Petronas – Razak, Mahathir, Abdullah – Anwar has opposed them. If we continue to ask more money from Petronas to subsidise the country, we could end up poorer and Petronas could end up being taken over. Our GDP growth is 6 per cent, much better than many others. The debate now shows how open the government has become.
2140: In a few years we might not have enough oil. What do we do then? Should we continue the subsidy, or are you going to have a sharp price rise then?
Anwar: Who gave the figure of oil depletion in a few years? That assumes there are no further oil discoveries. Some 30 years ago, our reserves were supposed to last until 2005. Petronas then went abroad to explore. I defend Petronas but I criticise the BN.
The mismanagement of the government, the leakages… It’s true, the IPPs were during my time, but look at the record. Ani Arope was opposed to the EPU and the Prime Minister’s Dept over the IPPs. That’s why he quit.
The IPPs have made billions but those on the losing side are Petronas and TNB. We could plug the leakages and cronyism and save a total of RM3 billion. Who’s idea is this of a sharp oil price rise? This is a IMF-World Bank prescription! It is slanderous to say that I bowed to IMF wishes back in 1997-98.
Petronas said there was a special dividend for the government of RM6 billion this year. Can’t we take RM1 billion of this to reduce the oil price? It is not an issue of Pakatan Rakyat. It is for the people. We are staring at economic recession and unemployment.
2132: Why do you focus on the price of oil and not talk about income tax or reducing inflation?
Shabery: We are not a major oil producer. We are just a minor producer. We are just a small net exporter. Only 26 per cent of Petronas profit is from domestic sources. Petronas has to use its profits to find oil abroad. We now have a world renown oil corporation. Don’t make Petronas too poor.
Anwar: Shabery, who compared Malaysia to Venezuela and Iran? We should look at Malaysia as an oil exporter. The sharp rise has caused economic deterioration. Why did the government break its pre-election promise not to raise oil prices? Who is saying anything about taking Petronas money? My argument is to look at the IPPs and wipe out corruption. Why don’t we manage our treasury better to ease the suffering of the people?
Shabery: This is a populist argument. We can accept it if our oil is isolated from the world or if our oil is the only one that is expensive in the world. The IPPs existed when Anwar was in government, and he defended their contracts back then. Anwar used the methods that the IMF favoured to try and resolve the 1997-98 crisis. It is easy to talk when you are outside. Even with their difficulties now, believe me, the people have enough to eat. Show me a country which gives cheap oil without high inflation.
2128: When you were Finance Minister you sent up a Tabung Warisan. What was the aim?
Anwar: The idea was to keep part of our earnings for the future, but that was not maintained. The sharp price now has led to spiralling inflation. It will have adverse effects. But each rise of US$1 in the price of oil actually results in RM360 million income for us. Right now, the sharp rise in inflation will lead to a deterioration in the economy.
2125: In 2006, when there was a price hike, the government said it would improve public transport. Now they are saying that they are going to use the substantial savings for the benefit of the people. Can we believe that?
Shabery: All the countries that have cheap oil – look at Venezuela and Iran, look at their high inflation rates. We can now overcome our food price crisis. Our rice is cheaper than Thailand. We don’t have to demonstrate on the road or hold indecent concerts.
2120: Your premise of a 50 sen reduction is because Malaysia is an oil producer. But your points about IPP had nothing to do with oil. Are you going to distribute what has been collected through the hard work of others so that you get a good name?
Anwar: IPPs are also involved with oil and gas. Petronas has made a huge profit; its profit ranks it among the top 10 oil companies. We will definitely ask Petronas to reinvest. But Petronas is the right of the people. Are we just going to look after the tycoons and the cronies or the people? The 50 sen reduction is just the first step. The extreme price hike has won no support. The only ones supporting it are the BN MPs..
2111: Would the government have to subsidise foreign oil companies in retail sales if there is a price subsidy as Petronas alone does not control the retail market?
Shabery: If subsidies are given out, it would benefit the rich and foreigners as well. Why don’t we give the money straight to the people who need it? Finland and Norway etc do not have subsidies and have shown good economic performance.
Anwar: If you want to compare with Norway, it has 10 times the per capita income of Malaysia. The petrol price is hurting the poor and marginalised groups and aggravating their suffering. It is our responsibility. Such a sharp rise is burdening the people. If Umno and the ruling coalition don’t realise this, then their future is bleak. What about infrastructure spending – isn’t that a form of subsidy for companies? But we call that “incentives”. On the other hand, aid for the people is called “subsidies”, which are given a negative connotation.
2107: Shabery responds that the government would have to incur a subsidy of RM50 billion if it maintained the price at RM1.92 and that would affect development. He said that global factors also influence the oil price. He recalled the first global crisis in 1973-74, which worsened inflation including in Malaysia. Petronas was formed back then, which wasn’t easy. The people supported Razak’s move. Anwar protested against Razak back then. And Anwar was now doing this again.
2102: Anwar kicks off with his opening statement. He insists that with proper economic management and eradication of corruption, an immediate cut in petrol price of 50 sen is possible. He speaks of the suffering felt by many, particularly the Malays and bumis in Sabah. He points out that TNB has to pay for 40 per cent excess capacity and how Petronas has made an excellent profit of RM100 billion – which could enable the government to raise RM3 billion for distribution to the people through a price reduction.
2100: The one-hour live debate gets underway at Balai Budaya. The moderator warns against raising irrelevant issues. Both speakers receive decent applause.
Share your comments on the debate over TV9, Astro Awani and Bernama TV from 9.00pm. This live write up is specially for those of you who don’t have access to these three stations and those abroad who would like to follow the debate. Please note this is not a verbatim transcript; it just covers the main points raised or emphasised and paraphrases much of what was said.
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hello anil,
Hello tunku,
Yup. Debates like these allow us civils to open, generate our mind and understand the policies done by the government and ideas form the oppositions.
But so far, Shabery did not even exactly explain the facts and figures about the government’s policy in allowing the fuel hike price up to 41%.
DSAI by the way also keep repeating the same way of 50-sen reduction which is suppose to be for the price before the recent fuel price hikes, which was RM1.92 during March 8 General elections.
So, basically both of them could withstand well in their debate. Its a fair win-win situation.
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It’s a wake up call though. The govt can still improve. We have achieved it before. All we need is to stand together. Love our country. Peace..
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Dear Mr Niah,
1.Why are so upset,this ia just an open discussion with views lay down.if you say you are moving ahead,why arent you taking comments openly.
2.My unerstanding of terittorial is,the ruling party which is dominated by Malays,is loosing ground??????????
3.You should carefully understand deeply what i have written.
4.To know who we are, as important how we progress forward.( That is identity)
5.Of cause i live in multi racial society, i also want my children to mix with different culture and respecting all religious belief.What malaysian have become today is people like you,do not want see what is ahead of you.Bloggers are for people to comments,your answer should not be bloody this bloody that ,This show that you are not prepared to have an open mind,still your kampung style??????
6.To live in a new century,we have to learn from the past and present mistake???
7.You name me which country dont protect their right,Now i tell you what bloody nonsense are you talking about?????
8.What right are you talking about.i do keep track record of malaysia.Are you deny from your freedom?Are not being able to practice your religious belief as approved by the goverment.
9.To answer to your question of looking fwd,there should not be any,malay,indian,chinese or any other association to involve in any politics.Ther should be one voice.And that is the people voice.So you are leaving in malaysia,What the hell are you doing??/
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dah2 la tu. tak payah gaduh2. memang smlm dah jelas dsai memang bercakap bedasarkan fakta, dan dia mempunyai karisma. apa yg dicadangkan olh dsai sbnrnya gov dah tahu..cuma mrk malas nak apply pasal diaorg nak kebas duit rakyat.jgn lupa malaysia mrpkan sebuah negara yg kaya dgn hasil bumi. so apalagi kelentonglah rakyat dgn isu global.
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Dei Rashid Khan,
Kalau tak reti nak ulas topik post, tak payahlah nak post komen. Orang komen barang lain, hang komen barang lain. Bodo punya mangkuk! …
Rashid, you are most welcome to join Najib. … Or else, GET LOST….
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Bodoh punya mangkut,all my comments are deeply inter related.hang masih dalam kebun.You re not looking it more deeply,why i choose it here.
To summarised it my next mail,when i come back.
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Salam semua,
Orang macam Rashid Khan ini tak layak tinggal di sebuah negara yang demokrasi. Nama pun dah Khan dari Mongolia jugak rasanya. Yang pelik ini orang yang pendatang lebih bersifat Kemelayuaan kononnya. Cuba baca Sejarah Melayu keruntuhan kerajaan Melayu Melaka disebabkan oleh Orang Keturunan….
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[...] Watch a 55-min video of Anwar vs Shabery Anil Netto’s minute-by-minute summary [...]
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[...] Read up. Updates to come from time to time. Malaysia-today.net live streaming links and lively comments, naturally. The Star report, biased against Anwar of course. The Flaccid Mind’s commentary — a good one. Alam Kekal’s commentary Bernama report: No Sustainable Formula From Anwar On Oil Price Cut The debate on YouTube: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 (5-10 minutes per part) Malaysiakini report. Comprehensive, and in full-text for free. Let me know if that changes. Live reverse-chronological transcript. [...]
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THE internet vote said it all….
If the public opened up to vote secretly, the same result..
NO PLEASE GO AND ASK THIS SOB SOB SOBBERY TO START SOBBING AND CRYING TO PAK LAH…. AND ask him to sack him..
OR was he only carrying out the bidding of UMNO leaders after all, from Paklah to Najib, they wont stand a chance in the debate…
there would be more froth in their mouth…. ha ha ha
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no matter what.. anyone with a decent mind will know who is laying hard facts and who is talking nonsense and without any research.. and no matter what again.. at least now a portion of public who are previously blinded now may be enlightened of what the real issues are.. and not taking blindly information given in the mainstream media.. by the way anil.. i linked to your entry in my post.. thanks..
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we saw a stupid vice chancellor (NK) who had to be told what IPP refers to and instead of psing question he was giving a short stupid speech. then we saw another stupid ex-university lecturer (SC) who had no sense of economy, making stupid analogies and trying to go for personal attacks. now we understand why the standard education in the country has dropped into the toilet bowl to be flushed into the sewage tank. what educationists are we having? GOD SAVE US FROM THIS CURSE….
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Hello rakyat malaysia,setahu saya orang melayu ada sopan,nama kamu tak ada.Takut di debat atau kurang pasti diri sendiri
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Dari sejarah melacca lah kamu harus sedari,apa yang terjadi sekarang
Saya bukan orang mongolia,saya orang Pakistan.saya bisa melihat TUN Dr Mahatir di pakistan.HE IS THE MEN FOR MALAYS and MALAYSIAN in general.
Tun have our deepest support,dimana mana sahaja.
Dan maaf kata,kamu bicara tentang demokrasi,tapi merendahkan sebuah negara itu demokrasi???? ya bisa betulkan diri sendiri dong
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what sopan is rashid talking. are what the political vultures doing sopan in the eyes of malays. killing of that mongolian lady sopan? corruption sopan? swindling government money with unfinished projects sopan? parading the word sodomy in the media sopan? cheating over the media sopan? poor management of the country sopan? selective prosecution sopan? ALLAH, please redefine what this guy is talking.
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our information minister has commited mockery of the highest order.He not only failed to bring forward his points and arguements effectively but has given DSAI a chance to humiliate the intelligence of BN and UMNO leaders in running the country’s economy. DSAI has also used this opportunity to gain political milage as he maintained his professionalism and sticked to the topic of discussion unlike his counterpart who clearly resorted to character assassination and comparing our economy with countries which are far from any similarities compared to Malaysia. DSAI poited out that the sudden hike in fossil fuels had caused a vicious cycle that brought upon increase in price of essential goods and cost of living. He is therefore suggesting that the government should consider lovering down fuel prices in view that we are a net oil exporter and higher global fuel prices means better profits. The fossil fuel in this country belongs to the people and it is unimaginable if the Rakyat are forced to pay more for the things harvested from their own backyard. My opinion on yesterdays debate is DSAI completely blended Strawberry into jam/puree so much so we have enough to spread the embarrasment to all BN and UMNO politicians.We have seen enough of their antics even in parliment and the rakyat now are not as mis-informed as before. I feel Pakatan has a good chance now with the support from literates, poor and marginalised community.
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Saberry Chik knew that he is going to be ‘crucified’ by DSAI. it is more of a personal agenda to project himself to his bosses in order to maintain his ‘status quo’. Kena ‘korban’ sampai keluar ‘buih’ dari mulut pun ok. Regards.
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Rashid just bubbling at all..no need to take seriously what he said..There’s no important point at all
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Rashid Khan ni mcm kenal la…Yang mcm Shah Rukh khan tu ke? Yang awalnya Islam tapi bila dah join duniawi jd tak islam dah? Btl la tu..Rashid Khan..patut la pandangan u mirip benar democracy Barat. TQ
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Salam,
Bro, where can I get the complete transcript?
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the whole world is suffering from high oil prices. Because of credit crunch and sub prime crisis in america which has filtered into the global economy, investors are putting money into oil and basic food items, plus consider peak oil and the fact that oil reserves are running out, decreasing supply and increasing prices. Also because investors are putting money into basic commodities the speculation market led by b******* like George Soros is driving the prices higher than they are, causing a bubble like the sub prime bubble that finally burst. the rise in oil prices is being felt by all nations. this isnt a purely malaysian issue, its global and its to do with the global capitalist financial system. although anwar’s precriptions are valid they are opportunistic at best. He’s kicking a dead dog, the malaysian government is on a losing streak after their narrow escape in the latest election and the fact that the present leader is no Mahathir Muhammad makes the governemnt’s image even poorer. Fact is, i dont think the malaysian government can do very much at this juncture, all governments are feeling the strain, especially poorly managed ones. Taking out corruption is a noble cause but all governments know that it is a long process, whether in the present government or even in Anwar’s future party. Because of this Anwar’s accusations although well thought out are amateurish at best and opportunistic. He senses that the government are in a fragile state with the narrow escape in the previous election and the changes in the global economy which is not brought about solely by the fault of the government but by market forces which are beyond the control of any one government.
however it’s also clear that the reactions from the present government to protests and the debate brought forward by Anwar is seriously not helping it’s image but damaging it. But it is a young government and malaysia is a young country in terms of it’s independence and democratic institutions. It has done well compared to many other countries that came out of the colonial period. This is a tried and tested party and malaysia was not the only country that suffered in the financial crisis. It still fares pretty well compared to some of it’s neighbours. But having said all this a change is maybe what the country needs. If Anwar is even half as good as what he makes himself out to be it could be beneficial in moving malaysia forward. And if Anwar isn’t, then the present party will get back into power very quickly. The pressure is still very much on whichever party takes over the present government, they will have less time to prove themselves, and for a party that is untried the chances of it failing is very much higher.
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It’s very very clear that if you spoke truth in malaysia, you (may get) caught… Like what we withness last night when Datuk Anwar have a Dedate with Shabery. I have no idea what exactly that malaysian goverment do think about their resident in malaysia but i do believe that malaysian goverment try to fool everyone by given so many reason on dirty politics which is come to peak last couple of months. Nothing could be hide now!!!! Najib implicated in the case… when najib in “Defend Minister” Post on that time. But until now not even single action was taken against him by malaysian goverment!!! And we all know why??!!! We have fuel prices which was hike vertically and now middle class and lower then who are suffering because of that. I can’t understand why we should increase petrol price in malaysia infact we ( Malaysian Goverment ) Who export petroleum to other country in this world. We not import a petroleum from other country to be honest,we still have so many option by covered our subsidy form the money that we import petroleum. Why the government go all out and increase the petrol price without do care about the average of malaysian minimum income per month. Is it they simply don’t know on how to manage this country???Is it all our politician are uneducated??? Hope we will find answer for that very soon.. For Malaysia… Thank You
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Basically, if you noticed at that time, Shabery was reading the script that he already memorized. The reason for that, is so that people will look as he is talking fluently, and he doesn’t mind every words he gave doesn’t answer the question, as long as he was not humiliated by thought block. Unfortunately, it still happened like all of us noted.
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First issue is not about oil price,Main issue is how to punish corrupt goverment official.
1.Islamic court or normal court.I have not seen any Malaysian pursue this further.Is Anuar will be able to lay this guide line if he is in power?
2.Sex scandals.Syariah court or normal court?
3.Do it like China,it will reduce corruption.
4.Enforce corrupt practice with heavier punishment.
5.Answer to the above is NO.Why because when they in power none of this will be enforce,if this people continue to have personal interest or own agenda.
6.Tun should be the adviser,if Anuar is in power.Anuar need a handler b4 he go wild.
7.We want to see all proposal from Anuar in public,if he think he is capable of running the country.(simple test the facts and figure,how is he going to reduce the oil price,and how is he going to disperse the oil profit)So Anuar this will be your chance to prove,but again it will depends or your court case)I am not saying he is guilty,until proven again
And to Anuar supporter,pls have peaceful demo.
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shabery’s personal attacks against anwar is a real give-away of the kind of idiots we have in the government. shabery’s answers to questions is also a give-away of the pea-brain people we have in the government. God help Malaysia!
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