KOTA KINABALU: Deputy Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) president Datuk Dr Yee Moh Chai is disappointed that some politicians have criticised him for appealing to businessmen to reduce the prices of their goods and services following the reduction in oil prices.
Yee pointed out that everyone knows that one of the basis for price increases in goods and services relates to energy cost.
Many of the price hikes took place whenever there was an increase in energy cost, he said, adding that by the same token, if there was a drop in energy cost, as in the case here, the drop in petrol price, then it would only equitable and fair that there should be a resultant drop in the price of goods and services too.
“This is common sense. No rocket science and it doesn’t take a genius to figure out the logic behind it. However, I am very surprised and disappointed by some irresponsible politicians who are criticising me for pointing out this very obvious fact.
“Indeed, it is very silly of them to say that the price of water and electricity should be reduced first before I say anything. Are we saying that these irresponsible politicians are unaware that we are already enjoying subsidised water and electricity rates?
“It is therefore good news that the drop in petrol price would lessen the burden and cost of these utilities production even though we are, in reality, still paying at a subsidised rate for water and electricity. So please don’t confuse this matter with what I am talking about,” the former Api Api assemblyman stressed.
Yee expressed hope that the irrespective politicians who are unhappy with his appeal for a reduction in the price of goods and services, are not trying to ‘kapsit’ (work together) with those who have previously increased their prices of goods and services via the excuse of petrol price increase.
“I hope these politicians are not in fact doing their best to prolong the unscrupulous profiteering of some parties. The consumers are no fools and I am sure they can see who is talking sense. I am confident that the public at large, who are still not enjoying a drop in the prices of goods and services, despite of the drop in petrol price, would agree with me,” he said.