AGC bantah keputusan 2 lelaki cabar keputusan hapus subsidi diesel

Jabatan Peguam Negara (AGC) has challenged a request from two individuals to seek a court ruling in order to challenge the government's decision to cancel diesel subsidies on June 10, 2024. The decision to cancel the subsidies cannot be challenged through a court hearing as it is not subject to any legal provision, stated the Attorney-General's Chambers.

The two individuals, Azhani Marlan and Mohd Hatta Sanuri, filed a petition for a court hearing on May 7, 2024, naming Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, former Finance Minister Rafizi Ramli, Minister of Trade and Industry, and six other ministers as respondents. The individuals argued that the cancellation of diesel subsidies and the proposed price increase to RM3.35 per liter from RM2.15 per liter (a 56% increase) was unlawful.

AGC's Senior Counsel Mohammad Sallehuddin Md Ali argued that the government's decision on diesel subsidies is subject to the law, including Article 8 of the Federal Constitution and Section 6(2)(g) of the Supply of Commodities Act 1961. Article 8 states that all persons are equal before the law and entitled to the same protection. AGC argued that the citizens of the Peninsula should not have been denied subsidies while Sabah and Sarawak received unlimited subsidies.

AGC's counsel Mohaji Selamat pointed out that the government can appeal the decision as the law is not a personal matter and can be appealed. He stated that the decision to cancel diesel subsidies is a temporary measure, and the damage or impact caused by the decision from June 10, 2024, to July 1, 2026 is not permanent and the case for a court hearing can still proceed.