PUTRAJAYA: There's more good news coming the way of taxi drivers and people affected by higher fuel prices.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said another measure to lighten the people's burden would be announced on Friday.

"This Friday, we are going to launch something to ease the burden of petrol users and to lower the cost and expenses of taxi drivers," he said.

Abdullah declined to reveal details.

At Sri Perdana here on Saturday, Abdullah said the government was focused on steps to reduce the people's burden.
On calls for the prime minister and cabinet members to get down to the ground to see how increases in the price of essentials had hit the people, Abdullah said: "I'll meet the people and explain to them, lest they listen to the opposition."

He said the opposition had done nothing to ease the people's burden.

"They just talk. They talk even more than what they can promise," he said in reference to Parti Keadilan Rakyat adviser Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's promise that the opposition parties would reduce the price of fuel within a day of coming to power.

On a proposed debate between Information Minister Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek and Anwar tomorrow, Abdullah said: "I think Ahmad Shabery is keen to debate. He can do it. He is a good orator.

"He said if he fails, he would ask Pak Lah to 'find someone else to look after Angkasapuri'.

"But he is good. He attended almost all the weekly programmes organised by the ministry."

Asked about the current political situation, particularly politicians who were bent on exploiting racial issues, Abdullah warned them against resorting to such tactics.

"We must be restrained. That is like playing with fire. Don't play with fire on sensitive issues."

Abdullah, who is Barisan Nasional chairman, also wanted the coalition to remain strong.

"I know the election results were bad but it was still a mandate from the people.

"We have to do more, we have to work hard. We have no other choice. Listen to the people. God willing, we will be all right." -- Bernama