The party’s strategy director, Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, said the price hikes occurred after the GST was implemented as well as the rationalisation of subsidies and increase in utility bills.

These factors, he argued, led to an increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

“So, I am sorry BTN chief, but nobody will believe you when you say the inflation is caused by spending during or after Ramadan.

“Don’t blame the people’s spending. It is the people who suffered because of GST and removal of subsidies.
“It is a double whammy,” he told a press conference at the Sungai Besar Amanah office here today.

Also at the press conference was Amanah Communications Director Khalid Samad, PKR’s Selayang MP William Leong and DAP’s Kampung Tunku State Assemblyman Lau Weng San.

Yesterday, at a forum held in Sungai Besar, Ibrahim had said people bought more than what they needed during the fasting month. This led to high demand and low supply, thus increasing prices of things.

He also blamed the high national debt on those living beyond their means and excessive spending.

Dzulkefly said Ibrahim’s decision to blame the people for everything was the reason why there was a lot of corruption and leakages in government spending in the country.

“The BTN chief needs to be schooled. Blaming people instead of policies has not only led to price hikes but also burdened the people.”

Meanwhile, Khalid demanded that BN candidate Budiman Mohd Zohdi, who had attended the same forum, declare his stand on the matter.

“The government is always asking people to change their lifestyle first before they do anything.

“We want Budiman to explain his stand in this matter. If he does not agree with Ibrahim, then he must state what he will do to reduce the cost of living.”