Rafizi: PN manifesto aims to solve cost of living issues but no solution provided

SHAH ALAM - Economic Affairs Minister Rafizi Ramli has criticised Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, the former Prime Minister, for promising in the state polls manifesto to address the issue of the increasing cost of living without providing a detailed explanation of how it would be carried out.

Rafizi said the Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairman seems unaware that Malaysia's inflation rate has decreased for six consecutive months.

"A critical component to controlling the price of goods is to increase supply.

"To lower the price, you need to increase the supply. Increasing supply is not like picking roadside weeds," he said in a tweet on Sunday.

Earlier, it was reported that Muhyiddin aimed to address the issue of increasing living expenses, such as the surge in commodity prices and inflation, as part of the coalition's manifesto for the state elections.

PN's campaign, Muhyiddin said, would centre around several vital issues, including employment challenges, income inequality, healthcare, education, housing, climate change, environmental concerns, and infrastructure.

Rafizi said the Unity Government has recently launched the People's Income Initiative (IPR), which aims to enhance the economy by investing in infrastructure and modern agricultural facilities.

The initiative, he said, aims to increase the involvement of young people in the modern agricultural industry.

"Has the previous government taken any measures to reduce the cost of goods? It seems they have not, as there has been no noticeable change. However, it may not have been a priority for them.

"Involving people in the modern agricultural industry is not easy, but we must do it," he said.