Say 'no' to unrelated prices hikes, Khairy tells government

Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said the government should not agree to price hikes unrelated to the government's fiscal measures, such as tolls, bus fares and City Hall assessment rates.

“I hope the government does not agree with the requests for hikes such as assessment fees and bus fares that have nothing to do with the slashing of subsidies,” said Khairy on Thursday.

Khairy also said that the government can still negotiate with toll concessionaires on the terms of their agreements.

“We ask the tolls not to increase their prices now. We can renegotiate the agreements and can even extend their agreement as there are many solutions to this,” he said.

“We want to make sure nobody takes advantage of this situation," said the Rembau MP and UMNO Youth chief, referring to a slew of price hikes in various industries that are taking place, with many pinning the blame on the government's fiscal measures.

Meanwhile, on another matter, Khairy said that UMNO Youth does not condone violence in any form regardless of the situation or personality involved.

He was commenting on the assault on Education Deputy Minister II P. Kamalanathan by an UMNO Youth member.

“We cannot defend any form of agression or physical action against someone, not just a minister but any person,” said Khairy, who said that he has received the explanation by the member but disciplinary measures will still continue.