Clean up, not witch hunt, say PH leaders on eve of polling day

The coalition's top leaders repeat its pledge to carry out fiscal reforms with help from experts who include a former Petronas president.

Pakatan Harapan top leaders say industry captains have agreed to help the coalition to implements its economic policies. (Reuters pic)

PETALING JAYA: Five top leaders of Pakatan Harapan (PH) today renewed their pledge to implement a series of reforms within 100 days of coming to power, including roping in a former president of national oil company Petronas.

In a joint statement just hours before polling begins tomorrow, they also pledged not to carry out a “witch hunt” over disagreements with the Najib Razak government’s economic policies after he took over the top office in 2009.

“Irresponsible fiscal policy conduct since 2009, and steady erosion of the quality of our institutions have set the country back. The time for progressive change, not a witch hunt or retribution, is long overdue,” said Dr Mahathir Mohamad, Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, Lim Guan Eng, Mohamad Sabu and Muhyiddin Yassin.

They said the coalition also received the support of experienced captains of industry including a Hong Kong-based tycoon which they did not name.

“They will provide guidance for the formulation and execution of the reform plan,” they said.

The statement said the reforms would be implemented in an “orderly, transparent and systematic manner” to improve fiscal accountability, as well as support investments and economic growth.

“PH is mindful of the dire state of the current fiscal situation and will undertake an evaluation of the responsibilities, commitments, expenditures and liabilities in relation to its revenue, assets and income of the government in the first 100 days of its administration in order to achieve greater fiscal responsibility,” they said.

A PH government, they said, would focus on three key areas in arriving at the fiscal reform plan.

“We will review the federal government budget and finances; accrual accounting and asset-liability management; and, outstanding government debt obligations, including government guaranteed debt, especially foreign obligations.”

The coalition also repeated its pledge to review all major public projects.

“We hope that the reforms that take place with the implementation of this plan will ensure fiscal conduct that is more sustainable, inclusive and growth enhancing.

“This will, in turn, help us improve the investment climate, reduce the cost of living and doing business, raise national competitiveness and promote greater economic prosperity,” the council said. -FMT