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KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi has warned rights activists to abide by the law or face tough action as opposition groups plan to push ahead with a street rally on Saturday calling for free and fair elections.
Wrapping up a three-day annual assembly of the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO), Mr Abdullah, the party president, issued a stern warning to rights activists who have not been granted a police permit to demonstrate.
On the issue of fuel subsidies, Mr Abdullah reiterated that the government could not afford to continue with the practice.
As crude oil prices reach US$100 a barrel, he said subsidies would cost the country US$11 billion a year.
But he promised that lower-income groups would continue to enjoy subsidies under a restructured system.
He said: "I think Malaysians are reasonable people, they will understand. To insist on same rate for everybody – the poor and the rich – to me, that doesn't seem right."
But on the question of when the general election would be held, Mr Abdullah remained tight-lipped.
It is widely expected to be held by early next year.
He reminded UMNO members not to stir up sensitive racial and religious issues in the multi-ethnic country.
- CNA/so
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