The people embraced change, but PH changed instead

Voters at the 2018 general election chose to vote in a new government.

Another by-election defeat, another cock-and-bull story from Pakatan Harapan leaders.

Let me see: it was due to voters not sufficiently embracing PH yet; it was because people have high expectations of the government.

If Malaysians had not embraced PH, I wonder how the events of May 9, 2018 happened. All I know is that BN was roundly defeated in Peninsular Malaysia as well as Sabah and Sarawak.

Today, almost two years after the historic victory, we are suddenly reminded that we have not sufficiently embraced PH. Where did this come from? Is this a cruel joke or what?

Then we have the excuse that people are expecting more from the government.

Look, I think Malaysians are very reasonable people. We never expect much from the government other than what was promised to us.

We actually never expected unfettered freedom or liberty, other than hoping that the government will make right the injustices inflicted over the years.

But what do we see today?

The people embraced change and reform a long time ago, long before the 14th general election. It is politicians who, after gaining power, are suddenly experiencing cold feet or are now beholden to vested interests.

They are unwilling to do what was promised to the people. Not only that, in many instances, they are in fact doing the opposite of what was promised.

When the people show their displeasure, all PH does is provide excuses — from the “deep state” to “sabotage” and “insufficient time” to “inherited baggage and problems from the previous administration”.

What baloney.

Take the scheming and plotting among PH component parties trying to outdo and outsmart each other: is it an inherited problem?

PH is incapable of reform because it is weak and feeble due to disunity and power struggles among the component parties.

While PH is busily indulging in infighting, the opposition and extremists are having a field day instigating and promoting hatred among the people.

PH is still holding together right now because of the trappings of power. But it is difficult to imagine the coalition is still sharing a common aspiration.

There are now second thoughts on an inclusive and liberal Malaysia — a theme which PH adopted during the 14th general election.

Dissension and division among PH component parties as well as within each party, propelled mainly by personal ambition and the fear of certain leaders assuming core leadership in the country, are now very clear.

When so much time, energy and concentration is spent on manoeuvring and plotting, who would really care for reforms and real work?

Do we seriously think the sex video or sexual assault allegation will not affect the performance of the minister or the leader concerned?

Do we seriously think the policy intent of PH, particularly those pertaining to concessions, contracts and government-linked companies, has not shifted since gaining power?

I think the people have not changed. It is the PH government that has changed.

TK Chua is an FMT reader.