Dr M on GST, 1Malaysia, fuel prices, Anwar and much more
FMT Reporters | May 16, 2018
From weekly fuel prices to Anwar's future role, the prime minister gives an update of the Pakatan Harapan administration.
PUTRAJAYA: The following are paraphrased and direct quotes from Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s press conference at the Perdana Leadership Foundation here.
On abolishing the goods and services tax (GST)
Mahathir said the authorities have been instructed not to collect GST, and to refund businesses that have made their claims.
On abolishing the Anti-Fake News Act 2018
I need to understand this law in order to end it. There is no intention to retain it but we have to study laws that bind the press and freedom of speech. All this will be done.
On completing the Cabinet line-up.
Only 10 ministers will be named in the “first phase”, and the remaining 15 will be announced later.
On accepting elected representatives from outside PH
The people cannot accept this, although they (elected representatives) can declare themselves quitting the party individually, but they are not members. Because they are not good in the eyes of the people. We don’t want the new government to be like its predecessors.
On weekly fuel prices
Prices will not fluctuate. They will remain the same. If needed, we will subsidise.
On 1MDB
We have been briefed by police and the auditor-general, and clearly there were offences committed that the public were not aware of. Action will be taken. When it reaches the stage to arrest, we will make the arrest.
On police abuse and custodial death
There should no longer be any elements of torture, such as being confined in a dark room. There will be inquests to find out how they (detainees) died.
On recovering 1MDB funds abroad
The money belongs to Malaysia and 1MDB, and we ask them to return it. The sum is quite huge and will help us to solve some debts.
On government wastage
There is a lot of wastage. We will reduce government expense. There are too many contract staff, some for administration needs, some political. We will terminate the contracts of political appointees, except those earning low wages, such as drivers.
On Anwar Ibrahim’s release and future role
In the past, they said I put him in jail. Now I released him. He is not a member of the government, therefore his role will be in the party. If there is any change, Pakatan Harapan’s presidential council will decide.
On a week in office
It’s difficult, it’s time and energy-consuming. I don’t get much sleep. But I have to do it because they appointed me. Can’t complain much.
On action aganst Najib Razak
As far as I know, he is not allowed to leave the country. We will follow the rule of law and it applies to everyone.
On his meeting with former attorney-general Abdul Gani Patail
I wanted to know what happened (in his removal as AG in 2015). He said he was preparing to charge Najib (over 1MDB).
On moving to the Prime Minister’s Office
Next week.
On Najib’s slogan of 1Malaysia
We may have to change to a different slogan. We have not decided on a suitable slogan.
