PUTRAJAYA, April 9 — Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has warned that misinformation surrounding recent oil price increases linked to the West Asia conflict is misleading the public and distorting the actual situation.
Speaking at the Transport Ministry’s monthly assembly today, Anwar criticised certain quarters, including politicians, for making irresponsible and inaccurate statements, reported by Bernama.
“There are comments from some politicians who speak hastily, offering half-truths and presenting them as absolute facts. They have only a partial understanding but attempt to portray their views as definitive,” he said.
Also present at the event were Transport Minister Anthony Loke and Chief Secretary to the Government Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar.
Anwar stressed that while freedom of expression must be respected, opinions should be grounded in accurate and verified information.
“We have the right to criticise and offer counter-views. However, we do not have the right to make judgments based on incorrect or misleading information,” he said.
He also cautioned against attempts to distort facts through the use of religious arguments, describing such approaches as superficial and potentially misleading.
“This reflects a superficial understanding cloaked in religious references, which may appear convincing but ultimately misleads the public,” he added.
The remarks come in response to claims by Abdul Hadi Awang, who alleged that the public was being “deceived” following fuel price increases in Peninsular Malaysia, and questioned why similar measures were not implemented in Sabah and Sarawak.
In a statement issued yesterday, Hadi argued there was insufficient justification for the hike, noting that Malaysia is not directly involved in Iran’s reported blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
