Malaysia's opposition and rights groups have issued an ultimatum
to the government to reverse a recent fuel price hike by December
or face a mass street protest.
The demand by PROTES, a coalition of student and human rights
groups as well as opposition parties, adds to pressure on the
government which is trying to shore up its popularity while curbing
the budget deficit.
The government on July 15 raised prices of the most popular
blend of petrol by 2.7 percent and sugar by 15 percent.
The move would save the government RM750 million to stem a
budget deficit that hit a 20-year high of 7 percent of gross
domestic product last year.
PROTES said it would launch an awareness campaign next month and
issued the government with five demands that include re-instating
the fuel, gas and sugar subsidies as well as introducing a minimum
wage.
It said it would give the government until December 15 -- the end
of the next parliament session -- to meet its demands or face a
major demonstration in Kuala Lumpur.
-- 938Live