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THE Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Bureau for Religious Understanding and Strengthening has sharply criticised PAS President Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang, accusing him of living in a fantasy and deliberately misleading the public over the causes of rising global oil prices.
Its chairman, Amidi Abdul Manan, rejected Hadi’s claim that the government had no reason to raise fuel prices simply because Malaysian ships were not blocked in the Strait of Hormuz, describing it as a flawed argument.
He explained that the primary factor behind the recent surge in global oil prices is the disruption of shipping routes caused by Iran’s actions, combined with supply and demand imbalances.
“Even though the Strait of Hormuz handles around 20 per cent of the world’s oil supply, the remaining 80 per cent transported through other routes has still seen steep price increases,” Amidi said in a statement today.
He added, “It is clearly related to the total supply produced by exporting countries and the rising operational costs. Media reports indicate reductions of up to 30 per cent in oil production by Gulf states, which has a significant impact on global supply.
“This is the situation that is actually driving oil prices higher.”
Amidi questioned whether Hadi’s apparent confusion over the issue was deliberate or a result of misunderstanding.
He further cited verse 42 of Surah Al-Baqarah, which forbids mixing truth with falsehood or concealing the truth, emphasising the importance of accurate representation.
He warned that failing to grasp the realities of the global economy risks fuelling negative sentiment among the public.
“Abdul Hadi is attempting to portray the rise in fuel prices as a failure of government management. Such actions ultimately stoke anger and resentment, potentially undermining national political stability, and serving only the narrow political interests of PAS,” he said. - April 9, 2026