Stop talking about debt and focus on lowering living costs, Daim tells gov't

The Pakatan Harapan government needs to stop repeating its narrative about the country's debt and start focusing on fulfilling its election promises, said former finance minister Daim Zainuddin.

Speaking to reporters today, Daim said anyone would be fed up if they had to listen to daily stories about problems faced by the administration.

He also warned the ruling coalition that they might be rejected by voters in the next general election should they fail to keep their promises to the people.

"(The people) do not want to hear about debt anymore, it is an old story. Although it still has to be rectified, it is a management issue.

"If the government says they have debts (to settle), that is the government's problem. They have to solve it.

"The rakyat is only concerned about their cost of living being reduced and their income going up. This is the government's responsibility," Daim said at a high tea session with Felda settlers at Felda Sungai Tengi, Hulu Selangor today.

Fulfil manifesto

Daim, who is a confidante of Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad and served as chair of the government's Council of Eminent Persons, said now is the time for Harapan to work towards fulfilling its manifesto.

He said the manifesto was something that could be worked out, but would require Putrajaya's focus.

"It (manifesto) can be done, it’s not impossible. (But) they need to focus.

"It might take some time, but focus must be given. Ministers have to solve problems.

"Everybody knows about the problem (huge national debt), but if the same thing is repeated every day we would also get fed up," he said.

In his speech earlier at the event, Daim mentioned that the Harapan government must shoulder the responsibility of taking care of the rakyat's welfare.

If not done, he said this would result in 'other people' trying to champion the cause, referring to opposition parties.

When asked later about this remark, Daim said the rakyat might reject Harapan if they do not fulfill their manifesto promises.

"If they don't keep their words, there might be a change (of government). The rakyat has the right to change the government. 

Felda settlers

Meanwhile, on issues surrounding the livelihood of Felda settlers, especially those who rely on financial assistance, Daim said the settlers must diversify their source of income and not rely solely on growing oil palms and coconuts.

In his speech, Daim gave examples of local entrepreneurs who became successful by diversifying their source of income, including by rearing livestocks and exploring other types of crops.

He said research also must be conducted to find replanting options that could provide immediate yields for the settlers.

"(Planting of vegetables) such as cucumber and ginger... There are many types of fruits and vegetables that can be produced in short time.

"We have to see the market, and also research by Mardi (the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute).

"If it needs 12 months to be produced, Mardi must come up with ways to reduce it to seven months. That is how research should work. We need to reduce the time first, then we improve on other things," he said.

Saying that the government has the responsibility to assist them, Daim also called on Felda settlers to place their trust in Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, whom he said is working to return Felda to its glory days.

"Have faith in Dr Mahathir, we will prove that we will return Felda to its glory days.

"Give your support, but patience is also needed. We will find ways to solve your issues," he said. - Mkini