MORE comprehensive discussions, inputs and debates about price hikes in essentials must be conducted as it involves the lives of the people, the DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke said.
He said this after confirming earlier that his advisor, Tony Pua, who is Damansara MP, has been instructed to prepare a paper to present the party’s views and suggestions on inflation and price hikes in essentials.
“After the paper is done, our views will be made clear and they will then be presented to the relevant authorities.
“This is a very important issue as it revolves around the lives of the people, but all we are getting at the moment are knee-jerk reactions.
“Just as how the hikes in daily goods are influenced by multiple factors, it is no doubt that many suggestions, ideas, views and inputs must be conducted.
“There are many rules and regulations that must be reviewed,” Loke told a press conference in Komtar today.
Among those present during the press conference were Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who is also Penang DAP chairman and Bukit Mertajam MP Steven Sim.
Separately, when asked by a reporter about DAP’s ties with the Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (Muda), Loke described any possibility for both the parties to take on an in-depth understanding would be pre-mature for now.
“They are not Pakatan Harapan’s component but just a friendly party, especially for DAP.
“We have a good relationship, especially after the recent Johor state election.
“Discussions between the parties can be held, we have no issues with that. We are also open to hearing their views and so on.
“If the state DAP committee here in Penang wants to go ahead with the discussions with Muda, I leave it to the Chief Minister to decide,” Loke added.
On another matter, when asked by a reporter if the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Federal Government and PH would be extended, Loke said for now the focus is to make sure the anti-party hopping law gets the green light.
“The process is ongoing right now. The MoU steering committee meeting was held yesterday to finalise the proposal and all the suggestions regarding inputs to the anti-party hopping law.
“I was not able to attend the meeting but was informed that the proposal will be presented to the Parliament very soon.
“As for the MoU’s extension, you have to ask our Prime Minister,” Loke added.
Loke had earlier paid Chow a courtesy call at his office in Komtar.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Ahmad Adil Muhamad
Video by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi