A sea of red-clothed Malaysians of various ethnicities loudly made their way out of the Persada Johor International Convention Centre into the darkening twilight.
Nearly 10,000 grassroots members and leaders had spent their Sunday at the Pakatan Harapan convention in Johor Bahru, where the coalition intended to unveil its direction for the upcoming elections.
After serving nearly four years as part of the government, the gathering functioned as a way for component party leaders to hold insightful discussions and rally support.
There were 23 speakers at the event, ranging from state representatives to the coalition’s top three.
Here are some highlights from their speeches:
Govt achievements
Several speakers played up the Harapan-led federal government’s achievements during the convention.
DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke highlighted how most progress for the Johor-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) had been achieved under Harapan’s watch and federal support.
“Don’t let anyone claim credit… use facts to fight them,” he said in a jab aimed at the BN-led Johor state government.
He cited other projects in the state, such as the RM10 billion elevated Autonomous Rapid Transit (e-Art) to address congestion in Johor Bahru, naming them as essential catalysts to develop the southern state.
Likewise, Harapan secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution Ismail - who is the home minister - said Putrajaya’s actions have helped to alleviate traffic in Johor, while touting the opening of the new Bukit Chagar checkpoint later this year, where the RTS will be passing through.
Reform agenda
Other state leaders urged the coalition to prioritise its reformist ideals as a key to retaining support and voter confidence.
Malacca Harapan chief Adam Adli Abdul Halim warned against members deviating from the coalition’s original struggle after gaining power.
The former PKR Youth chief described Harapan as a ship adrift in a stormy sea battered by political winds and challenging current events - the analogy was meant to showcase the political bloc’s main challenge in holding fast to its principles.
He said Harapan must not forget that its most loyal supporters are ordinary citizens, not those from elite classes.
This was supported by Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who stressed that the support of voters cannot be taken for granted.
“The people don’t just want slogans, but leadership that can bring forth stability, development, and confidence in their state’s future,” said the DAP leader.
Pointing to his party’s disastrous showing at the Sabah election last year, Chow cautioned that a win in the next general election might not come as easily as anticipated.
On the contrary, Selangor Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari disputed perceptions that Harapan had not done enough to push for institutional reform.
Citing the Freedom of Information Enactment in Penang and Selangor - states strongly under Harapan’s control - the Gombak MP said such changes made tangible differences in the administrations of these states.
He said such policies drew in investments and increased job opportunities.
The challenge, however, lay not in addressing bread-and-butter issues, but in addressing racial tensions, especially when these were avenues of attacks from rivals, he opined.
Anwar’s leadership
Another theme noted at the convention was the reinforcement of Anwar's ability to lead the coalition and nation.
While Loke was effusive in his praise for Anwar’s bravery in pushing through recognition for the Unified Examination Certificate, Amanah president Mohamad Sabu said the premier’s diplomatic skills would be vital for navigating geopolitical uncertainty.
Expressing worries that conflicts over the Strait of Hormuz would spill over to the Strait of Malacca just off the coast of Peninsular Malaysia, Mohamad said there was nobody better to manage the matter than Anwar.
Anwar also gained praise from Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Sabah and Sarawak Affairs) Mustapha Sakmud, who said the PKR president had appointed the first-ever deputy prime minister from Borneo.
Mustapha further lauded Anwar’s move in providing an extra public holiday for Malaysia Day last year, as well as his commitment to resolving issues under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). - Mkini
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.