KUALA LUMPUR: The government will not base decisions that affect future generations on populist notions, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
Addressing the Undergraduates Parliamentary Conference earlier tonight, Najib said students should not be influenced by efforts to spread hatred towards the government, done by twisting facts behind critical decisions made by the government.
"You must understand the most important principle in economics, which is the principle of trade-offs," said Najib.
He was referring to the constant flow of destructive criticism aimed at the government following decisions such as the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and the increase in highway toll rates.
"These are key decisions which have helped ensure that the country is not brought to its knees in these trying economic times," said Najib.
"Due to the drop in oil prices, we needed to find a way to keep the economy afloat, to ensure things like the development of our education system and student aid programmes will continue," said Najib.
He said this was a decision that was based on the long-term future of the country.
"As Finance Minister, I was faced with a dilemma, between making a populist decision and a decision based on reality, which was the implementation of GST," said Najib.
"You have to understand when the government needs to make such decisions, it is not a populist decision, not one that will make us popular, but an important one for the country's future."
On that note, Najib called on the undergraduates to make their own judgments based on facts and not be easily lured into the extremes of anti-government movements.
"These are decisions which are not made to win us votes and we are not forcing anyone to support the government," said Najib.
"But having based your judgement on facts, you then have the responsibility to act on it within the confines of the law and the constitution.
"Street demonstrations and things such as the People's Declaration are unconstitutional. That is not the way to demonstrate your displeasure with the government."