Counter ‘turnout suppression’ with record turnout, urges Harapan

GE14 | Pakatan Harapan chief secretary Saifuddin Abdullah has called upon Malaysians to turn up to vote in droves in the 14th general election, in spite of the many obstacles set before them.

Speaking at the Perak Harapan manifesto launch tonight, he claimed that the reason why the Election Commission set polling day on May 9, a Wednesday, was to prevent a large voter turnout.

According to Saifuddin, a large turnout would be detrimental to BN’s chances of winning the election.

“They (BN) are very afraid of the people coming out in large numbers to vote, and that’s why they put polling day on a Wednesday.

“But whoever who has been on social media knows that hashtags like #CarpoolGE14 and #PulangMengundi have been trending (on Twitter). Some people have even offered to pay for others so that they can come home to vote,” he said at the Kinta Riverfront Hotel in Ipoh tonight.

“The rakyat has risen, and we must continue to raise their spirits. We will make GE14 the general election with the highest voter turnout ever!

“It is impossible for us (Harapan) to lose unless we are cheated, the way to overcome such cheating is if the rakyat comes out in large numbers to vote,” he added.

Later, Saifuddin launched the manifesto – themed ‘Bersama Harapan, Perak kembali gemilang’ (With Harapan, Perak will return to glory) – along with component party leaders from the state.

Among those present were Perak Harapan chief and Bersatu man Ahmad Faizal Azumu, DAP Perak chief Nga Kor Ming and PKR Perak chief Mohd Nur Manuty.

Democratising local government

Perak Amanah’s Fakhruldin Mohd Hashim said the manifesto team he led had spent a year conducting research and on-the-ground surveys to put together the document.

“These are not empty promises or rhetoric, but a practical agenda for the people of Perak,” he said.

The manifesto is organised into five categories – welfare and economy; trust and integrity, social justice and democracy; knowledge and research; as well as environment and community.

Among its main promises are to “democratise” local governments, make renewable energy a new source of state income, equip the farming and fishery sectors with technology and infrastructure, and offer freehold land to Felda settlers.

Should it form the government, Harapan also vowed to set a two-term limit for the Perak menteri besar, and demanded that the menteri besar along with all state executive councillors declare their assets.

Among the benefits included in the manifesto are those for tertiary students, single mothers, the elderly, people with special needs, army veterans and the police. -Mkini