Rais Hussin has outlined five issues which would ensure that Pakatan Harapan is not vanquished in the next general election.
The Bersatu chief strategist claimed that he had read the tea leaves with regard to the coalition's fate long before others.
“Perhaps I saw it too early and the Harapan government was not ready to accept facts on the ground. But denying the truth doesn't change the facts,” he told Malaysiakini this afternoon.
Reiterating his panacea for the ailment plaguing Harapan, Rais outlined five important factors which could extend the coalition's shelf life.
In addition to this, he said Harapan must put an end to its “Game of Thrones” on whether PKR president Anwar Ibrahim would succeed Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
“As I said then and now, Harapan must focus on five primary issues - mitigating costs of living, enhancing the quality of living, creating credible jobs, ensuring affordable homes and enabling affordable healthcare.
“These are the five tenets of 'tummy economy' (perut economy).
“In addition, all in Harapan must stop the Game of Thrones and excessive politicking and focus on delivering the promises contained in the manifesto,” he added.
Topping the list of priorities, according to Rais, is to map out the deliverables for each ministry and to put in place a Key Performance Index (KPI) to ensure things are delivered in a timely manner.
Credible technocrats needed in cabinet
The Bersatu strategist also suggested reinforcing the cabinet with the focus on credibility instead of political considerations.
“Start with promises that may not have cost considerations. People are really hoping to see a monumental change. Reinforce the cabinet with technocrats who can work to deliver. Indonesia and Tunisia have done it. It is time for Malaysia too.
“Political accommodation for ministerial positions is understandable but if the focus is to rebuild the nation for the people, then bring in credible technocrats into the cabinet.
“It is also important for the powers that be to allow latitude in extracting credible and critical views rather than listening to cheerleaders and apple polishers,” he added.
Rais was commenting on a Reuters report which stated Mahathir warned that Harapan would be a one-term government if the coalition does not put an end to infighting.
At a press conference this afternoon, the prime minister termed this as Reuters' “opinion”.
“I don't think Harapan will be a one-term government,” Mahathir added, while acknowledging that the coalition is not effective in communicating its policies and accomplishments.
Meanwhile, Rais, who was appointed to his post, said he would not be contesting in the upcoming Bersatu polls and party president Muhyiddin Yassin has consented.
“After almost a year discussing persuasively with my president, he has concurred and consented my decision not to contest at the branch, division or supreme council levels.
“I assured him that I will stay engaged as a party member in the spirit of participatory democracy, that I have advocated all this while. I will stay focussed on my research think-tank and offer valuable constructive engagements through hardcore and scientific research.
“It has been a very profound political expedition since even before Bersatu was formed which I hope one day I will write as a book documenting the true story of how Bersatu started,” he added.
Rais also pledged to continue voicing his thoughts without fear or favour. - Mkini
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