Forget "Madani," Malaysians brace for a year of "Mahal Dah Ni" - Syed Saddiq

Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman – File Pix

SHAH ALAM – Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman challenged the government’s designation of 2024 as the “Year of Madani Government” in light of rising living costs.

Speaking in the Dewan Rakyat today, Syed Saddiq painted a concerning picture of escalating costs across various sectors in Malaysia.

“The government has labelled 2024 as the ‘Year of Madani Government’.

“However, what can Malaysians expect this year?

“Taxes on low-value goods will rise, taxes on high-value goods will rise, the Sales and Services Tax (SST) will increase, diesel prices, petrol prices, electricity bills, and water bills will continue to rise,” he said.

He further highlighted the depreciation of the Malaysian Ringgit, making imported goods more expensive and further straining household budgets.

“The Ringgit’s decline increases our reliance on foreign goods, leading to higher import bills,” he added.

Syed Saddiq ended his speech by stressing the stark contrast between the government’s optimistic label and the reality faced by Malaysians.

“While the government promotes 2024 as the year of a civilised society (Madani), the people have a different perspective.

“‘Mahal Dah Ni’ (It’s gotten expensive) is what they’re calling it.”