KUALA SELANGOR: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said it is unfair to use statements he made 20 years ago about lowering oil prices to criticise him now.
Anwar said the circumstances then were not the same as they were now.
"Back when I said 'we will lower oil prices', oil prices in Saudi Arabia might have been around 50 sen. Our prices were then were around RM1.50.
"So I said let's decrease the price. Now, oil production costs have increased."
"So, to use my statement from 20 years ago to attack me, it's not fair," Anwar said in his speech.
Anwar said his message at the time was that he did not want to raise oil prices.
He added that through restructuring subsidies now, the people would receive assistance directly.
This, he said, was in contrast to the government providing bulk subsidies that were also enjoyed by foreigners and high-income groups, resulting in billions of ringgit being spent.
"If oil prices rise, we will channel the money to their (people who are eligible) accounts. If not, tens of billions or around RM7-8 billion are given to foreigners and the rich.
"I have no problem if they all pay taxes but they aren't," he said.
Anwar said people should not be easily influenced by statements regarding oil prices.
The prime minister earlier attended the Central Zone Madani Rakyat Programme at Kuala Selangor Sports Complex here.
Present were Agriculture and Food Security Minister, Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad and several ministers.