Nation In Crisis Preparedness Mode - Ahmad Zahid

PUTRAJAYA, April 2 (Bernama) -- Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the country is currently in crisis preparedness mode following global uncertainties which affect fuel prices.

Therefore, Ahmad Zahid who is also the Minister of Rural and Regional Development, asked all parties not to point fingers at the government regarding the fuel price hike.

He said the current situation was caused by the global crisis and required the cooperation of all parties to deal with it together.

"We should not feel complacent and only point fingers at the government, especially the Prime Minister. The fact is that it is a global crisis that we must all face together," he told the media after the monthly assembly of the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW), here today.

Asked if the opposition continued to play up the fuel price hike issue as political capital, Ahmad Zahid said that it should not happen since the current situation was a direct result of international geopolitical developments.

"Ask them (the opposition) to go to the Strait of Hormuz now or try going to a West Asian country, (let) them see for themselves.

"We are actually lucky... so don't keep using this global problem as a fault by the government. This is the reality we have to accept," he said.

Ahmad Zahid asked all parties not to point fingers and to come together to find a solution.

He said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is also scheduled to hold a meeting with all Menteris Besar and Chief Ministers this evening to clarify the current situation and ensure that the state government understands the challenges facing the country following the global energy crisis.

-- BERNAMA