Don't cave in to pressure, Anwar tells Harapan leaders

PKR president Anwar Ibrahim today warned Harapan leaders against the misstep of reneging on its manifesto promises due to pressures or temporary shocks.

Speaking at the DAP National Conference 2019, Anwar said Harapan should admit it has problems communicating its policy decisions and reassure the people that all of its promises will be fulfilled.

"Changing policies which have been accepted for more than half a decade is not an easy task.

"But we must remain confident, and I agree with what was said by DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng at the end of his policy speech...," said the Port Dickson MP.

"Let it not be because of current pressures, let it not be because of temporary shocks, we make a misstep to veer away from our original path, we forget our manifesto and promises to the people," he said.

Harapan critics had accused the ruling coalition of committing policy "U-turns" after mounting public pressure on issues, including ratification of various human rights treaties and abolishment of the death penalty.

Lim, in his policy speech which will be debated by 969 delegates gathered at Shah Alam Ideal Convention this afternoon, underscored the importance of Harapan fulfilling its election manifesto promises in order to convince the people of its worth compared to BN.

People's welfare

Anwar similarly urged Harapan leaders to continue honouring its commitments to the people.

"We were given a mandate under the premise that Malaysia will continue to struggle in defence of every single citizen of this country.

"No one should feel marginalised. No one should feel they are neglected," he stressed.

"Therefore, consideration must be given to the people's welfare based on what is required - need-based policies for every rakyat in this country," he added.

Anwar, however, cautioned that the "elites in towns" working on needs-based policies should ensure they took into account the actual needs of the poor fishermen, smallholders and others in the rural areas.

"We cannot talk about need-based (policies) if we don't have an economic policy that can provide for the wellbeing of all Malaysians, particularly the poor and marginalised," he said.

At a press conference later, Lim said Harapan chairperson Dr Mahathir Mohamad could not be present as the prime minister has a prior engagement which must be honoured.

Other Harapan leaders present for the DAP conference include Amanah president Mohamad Sabu and Bersatu secretary-general Marzuki Yahya. - Mkini