PH Youth urges coalition to reassess ties with BN

 The youth wing says that cooperation must be based on trust, mutual respect and a commitment to shared principles.

PH Youth leaders from DAP, PKR and Amanah met yesterday to call for, among others, a review of ties with BN and push for higher BUDI95 eligibility. (PH Youth pic)

PETALING JAYA:

Pakatan Harapan’s (PH) youth wing has urged the coalition to reassess its political cooperation with Barisan Nasional (BN), amid changing political dynamics at both federal and state levels.

In a joint statement, it said PH should review the nature, mechanisms and future of its cooperation with BN.

PH Youth said any cooperation should be based on trust, mutual respect and a commitment to shared principles, rather than political numbers alone.

“The youth wing urges that PH at the state levels be given space to voice views and reassess the dynamics of cooperation in their respective states,” it said. 

“PH must not be seen as a ‘shield’ for BN on past issues that have ultimately weakened and damaged PH’s own image.”

The statement followed a meeting yesterday and was signed by PKR Youth chief Kamil Munim, DAP Youth chief Woo Kah Leong and Amanah Youth chief Hasbie Muda.

The BN-PH partnership has so far remained intact in Putrajaya, but its political foundations are increasingly being tested after recent state elections.

BN, despite being PH’s federal partner, contested all 56 seats in the Johor state election on its own and won 48, giving it a two-thirds majority in the state assembly.

BN also had an informal electoral pact with the PAS-led Perikatan Nasional in the recent Negeri Sembilan state election. Together, the two coalitions secured 25 seats to form the state government, while PH won 11.

PH Youth also urged the government to raise the BUDI95 monthly eligibility cap from 200 litres to 300 litres, particularly for those who depend on private vehicles for work, business and family responsibilities.

It also called for the BUDI Madani diesel subsidy mechanism to be reassessed to ensure it reached its intended target group.

On democratic reforms, it urged the government to continue reforming the Peaceful Assembly Act, saying Malaysians should be free to assemble peacefully, criticise the government and express opposition without fear.

The youth wing also proposed giving STPM students who achieved a 4.0 CGPA and STAM students who obtained Mumtaz results priority consideration for one of their three preferred public universities, subject to programme requirements, available places and the needs of the respective fields.

It said the five proposals have one common theme – that the public wanted to see action, including fairer prices and subsidies, protection of public funds, impartial enforcement, and politics based on trust and principles.

The youth wing said the Madani government still has considerable room to strengthen its mandate. - FMT