OPR issue: 'Don't dance to the tune played by the Opposition', Rafizi tells Hassan
AMPANG - Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli has advised Pasir Gudang MP Hassan Abdul Karim not to dance to the tune played by the Opposition pertaining to the increase of the overnight policy rate (OPR).
Rafizi said the issue was explained in detail to Hassan a day before the latter made a statement related to the issue on social media.
"I have advised him to contact me or the prime minister directly, and we have given him explanations on the matter. I thought, after the explanation, he wouldn’t make such statements.
"I understand that it is a public issue. That is his right, and I know the media will report it. But it is under control now.
"Our principles are to make sure the printing power and borrowing large amounts of money are not entirely placed in the minister’s hands," he said at the Pandan Parliament Eid Open House Celebration here on Sunday.
He said this following Hassan's statement asking for an explanation from the prime minister and Rafizi regarding the increase in OPR last week, which was previously denied.
Hassan said the explanation was important, especially when the Unity government is going to face state polls in six states soon.
Rafizi said the people’s voting decision is not dependent on the OPR or EPF issue; however, it is influenced by several other factors.
"Currently, the public’s acceptance of the economic management by the unity government is good; although it has not been announced, I have been following it closely.
"From month to month, the acceptance rate and positive view towards the future of the economy have increased," he said.
He stated the government did not intervene with the increase in OPR as it is under the purview of Bank Negara in managing the long-term cash flow.
"The freedom principle is to allow arbitration between the government that spends money and Bank Negara that controls cash flow to ensure loans and expenditures are not excessive.
"This principle I will defend, and I think Hassan has been given a thorough explanation regarding the matter," he said.
When asked about the possibility of actions being taken against Hassan following his critique, the PKR deputy president said no action would be taken against Hassan because he respected the views of all parties, be they the people’s representatives or the opposition.
"I’m confident that in due time, when the inflation rate lessens and we start to focus on policies targeting wage increases, the people will understand.
"Administering the national economy means we can’t simply jump when someone else jumps. We must listen and understand everything, but designing and managing the national economy is a long-term job," he said.
