KUALA LUMPUR: The people need to give space, time and cooperation to the government, which is currently working to address the issue of rising prices of goods and the cost of living through various interventions to reduce the impact on the public, says an academician.

Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) School of Media and Information Warfare Studies’ security and political analyst Dr Noor Nirwandy Mat Noordin said the people should not do anything that could disrupt the government’s efforts, such as organising demonstrations, because such an approach did not solve the problem.

He said that such rallies and protests in the streets were seen only to create an emotionally-charged atmosphere, and, at the same time, give rise to elements such as anger, which are contrary to the culture, morals and ethics of the country.

He added that such actions could trigger provocative elements, when there were subversive elements that intervened in the rally so as to contradict the basic motives of the organisation of such rally.

Therefore, he said that the people need to get authentic information and understand the current situation, so they did not to get caught up in reckless actions that do not bring benefit to the country.

“We also need to look at the report of the Malaysian Competition Commission (MyCC), whether there is ‘cartel’ involvement in the increase in the price of goods and taking advantage of the public instead of just looking at short-term solutions, because the increase in the price of goods cannot be fully controlled by the government alone.

“As long as we do not understand the real cause, and as long as we try to help provide solutions and ideas, do give space and time to the government to resolve this matter through the right channels,” he said.

Link: https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2022/07/02/price-hikes-demonstrations-rallies-not-the-answer-says-don