KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 7 — Former Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has strongly denied claims that he defended the rights of foreigners in the government’s move to restructure RON95 fuel subsidies.

In a social media post, the Member of Parliament for Pagoh asserted that Perikatan Nasional (PN) has always maintained the position that subsidy benefits should prioritise the interests of Malaysians.

Muhyiddin challenged Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to either provide proof that he made such a statement or issue a public apology.

“I want to clearly and firmly state that I have never made any such statement — not in press conferences, not in media releases, not anywhere — about something I consider to be a false and baseless accusation.

“So I strongly deny it,” he stressed.

Earlier today in the Dewan Rakyat, Prime Minister Anwar claimed he had received reports that certain opposition MPs were defending the rights of foreigners to benefit from the subsidy rationalisation policy.

In response, Hulu Terengganu MP Datuk Rosol Wahid stood up and urged Anwar to disclose the identity of the MP in question.

However, Anwar countered by saying that Rosol should have first read the statement allegedly made by Muhyiddin regarding the issue.

“You didn’t read your own party leader’s statement, the MP for Pagoh. Next time, read it before coming to Parliament — don’t just make wild accusations.

“Read Pagoh’s statement where he questioned why the government is burdening foreigners when they also contribute to the country,” Anwar said.

— Agency