Khalid: 'Suffering under Harapan' narrative is Umno-PAS hypocrisy

 

The claim that Malaysians “suffered” for 22 months under Pakatan Harapan’s federal rule is “hypocrisy” by Umno and PAS, an opposition leader has said.

Amanah communications director Khalid Abdul Samad said Harapan, in fact, washed off the “dirt” that Umno left behind after more than 60 years of rule.

“As the 15th general election (GE15) nears, Umno and PAS are busy using the ‘rotten’ ‘22 months of suffering’ narrative to attack Harapan.

“These claims are far from the truth as the rakyat can see for themselves Harapan’s achievements when it formed the government in Putrajaya,” said the Shah Alam MP in a statement today.

He was responding to the remark by Umno secretary-general Ahmad Maslan that the rakyat will never forget the days of “suffering” they experienced under the Harapan and Perikatan Nasional (PN) governments.

As such, Umno should return to power for the good of the public and the country, the Pontian MP had said.

Most pledges fulfilled

According to Khalid (above), Harapan fulfilled the majority of its pledges made in its 14th general election (GE14) manifesto, before the coalition was toppled via the “treacherous” Sheraton move.

“These include abolishing the Goods and Services Tax (GST), gradually lowering toll rates, stabilising oil prices and subsidies, controlling the price of essential items during festivals, restructuring mega projects, and giving royalties to opposition-led states.

“Aside from that, it was Harapan that washed off all the ‘dirt’ left behind by Umno, especially concerning the Tabung Haji recovery, and ensuring 1MDB funds overseas were returned to the country,” he noted.

He further said Harapan’s appointment of professionals and technocrats to lead government-linked companies (GLCs) showed a positive impact, and the coalition’s priority for transparency also improved the country’s ranking in the corruption perception index.

Only Umno suffered

According to Khalid further, the “suffering” during Harapan’s rule only applied to Umno.

“Umno suffered for 22 months as it could not steal the rakyat’s money, and ran out of funds to distribute to its cronies through the awarding of contracts and government projects.

“PAS should not also act as if it was affected by Harapan’s 22-month rule as it was during that period of time did the leaders in Kelantan splurged on Mercedes Benz, when its people were deprived of clean water supply,” Khalid pointed out.

Having done all these, the two parties should not shed “crocodile tears” and pretend to champion the people’s rights, he added.

“PAS is merely reaping the benefits of the excellent previous administration by Harapan.

“Our advice to Umno and PAS is, stop your hypocrisy, and do mature politicking.” - Mkini