We save TH, Felda but others named 'defenders' of Malays, Islam - minister

It has not been an easy year for the Pakatan Harapan government since taking over administration of the country last May.

Among the challenges, the coalition government has not quite managed to shake off criticisms by certain quarters that it is no more than a one-term government and that it “isn’t firm” in its resolve to look after the interests of the Malays and Islam.

Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, however, is of the opinion that the reality is quite different.

The domestic trade and consumer affairs minister pointed to Putrajaya’s efforts in saving ailing bumiputera institutions Lembaga Tabung Haji and Felda.

“So we (the Harapan government) may be considered cair (not firm) in helping the Malays and Islam but we succeeded in saving these Malay and Islamic institutions.

“(Meanwhile) those who cause the problems are heralded as the fighters of race and religion. That is a paradox,” Saifuddin said today.

He was speaking during a special press conference at his ministry in Putrajaya held in conjunction with the approaching one-year anniversary of the Harapan government. 

The Kulim Bandar Baru MP was also questioned regarding the ruling coalition’s alleged difficulty in fulfilling all of its GE14 election manifesto pledges and the resulting criticism that it will be just a one-term government.

The minister clarified that Harapan had already fulfiled several of its promises such as removing the immigration blacklist for defaulters of National Higher Education Fund (PTPTN) loans.

“(Besides that), we promised to abolish (the Felda) settlers’ debts and towards this, we succeeded in abolishing the interest on the settlers’ debts.

“What has not been tackled with relates to (the takeover of) tolls and that it still in a trial stage in the city and to be done in stages.

“What is being done is (the pension scheme for housewives) i-Suri, health (programmes) and these cannot be rushed as Tabung Haji and Felda must first be saved,” he said.

Harapan had promised to abolish highways toll collections but the government stated in February that takeover of the concessionaires would have to be done in stages as the process would take time. The government had also announced that it was going to do away with the existing toll mechanism and replace it with a congestion charge at four highways.

Saifuddin further said Harapan has outlined three directions for the implementation of its manifesto, these being pledges which are being carried out, those being worked on and those yet to be tackled.

In summary, he said he was leaving it to the people to judge the government’s performance over the past year.

“Our country’s democracy is healthy and anyone can give their opinion, (even if) honestly, there is the perception that we will crumble after a term, ” he said. - Mkini