KUCHING: The lacklustre response to the ‘Walk Against 20 Sen Petrol Price Hike’ here last Saturday is not because Sarawakians are not concerned about the matter.
Assistant Minister of Social Development (Youth) Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, who said this, reasoned that the failure of the demonstration was because the public did not agree with certain Opposition leaders politicising the issue.
“I fully believe that everyone is concerned with the price hike, whether they support Barisan Nasional (BN) or the Opposition.
“The failure of the demonstration is not because the public is not concerned, but more because the public do not agree with Opposition parties and leaders politicising the matter,” he said when contacted yesterday.
An Internet news portal, in a recent report, had suggested that the poor response was because Sarawakians supported the 20 sen price hike for RON95 petrol and diesel, which took effect early this month.
Based on previous news reports, the demonstration organisers had expected more than 200 people to show up for the peaceful walk, which started from Wisma Hopoh area to Padang Merdeka.
However, only about 30 people marched under the scorching heat and carrying banners demanding lower petrol price. They also voiced their dissatisfaction over the effects of the fuel price hike on rural Sarawakians.
