Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi is wishing that there will not be another round of public protests following the largest increase of fuel prices in history today.
"God willing, I hope Malaysians will not demonstrate over this," said the premier today, who had faced numerous demonstrations previously against similar hikes in fuel prices.
Fuel prices were raised on Feb 27, 2006 by 30 sen - the largest-ever increase at the time - which sparked waves after waves of demonstrations in Kuala Lumpur as well as one in Kuching.
Many of the demonstrations, which lasted for four months, were brutally broken up with tear gas and water cannons.
Another spate of increase on June 1, this time in electricity tariffs, sparked more demonstrations, including one dubbed ‘Bloody Sunday’, which ended with several demonstrators savagely beaten by riot police.
In the midst of all the demonstrations, Deputy Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak committed a infamous faux pas by urging the public to “change their lifestyle” which was frequently lampooned during the demonstrations.
Likewise, Abdullah had blundered when he told the public not to question how government funds saved from the slashing of subsidies - reportedly RM4.4 billion - would be spent.
Anti-price hikes coalition to meet
Public anger was also fueled by the price hikes of consumer goods and services.
Immediately following the rise in fuel prices, traders began increasing prices of food and other essential goods prompting the Domestic Trade and Industry Ministry to keep tabs on prices.
The ministry also introduce a ‘Fleet Card’ system that would allow commercial vehicles to enjoy a 15-sen per liter fuel subsidy.
Activists behind the 2006 series of demonstrations are expected to reprise their roles following today’s increase in fuel prices.
The Coalition Protesting Against Fuel Hike, or Protes, - which is an alliance of NGOs and opposition parties - was responsible for most of the demonstrations.
It is learnt that the coalition will be meeting soon to discuss the organisation's next course of action.
Two demonstrations are expected tomorrow - one in Ipoh and another in Kuala Lumpur - according to a 10pm blog posting by DAP leader Lim Kit Siang.
In addition to organising demonstrations, Protes produced a booklet titled ‘Fuel Hike: Truth & Questions’ highlighting the coalition’s arguments against the fuel hike.
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