Tough for BN to win GE15 as people unhappy, says Rafizi

 

Rafizi Ramli says the majority of young voters are unhappy with Malaysia’s economic situation as well as the government’s handling of their future.

PETALING JAYA: It will be tough for Barisan Nasional to win the 15th general election (GE15) as Malaysians are unhappy with its performance, says PKR deputy president Rafizi Ramli.

Citing statistics from PKR’s own survey, Rafizi said 63% of people were not happy with the federal government, led by Umno vice-president Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

“Also, 78% of the public is disappointed with the country’s economic situation. If those in Umno or BN are confident about winning the elections, they have nothing to back that (confidence),” he said at an “Ayuh Malaysia” campaign last night.

Rafizi said how youths vote would be unpredictable in GE15. However, based on his party’s statistics, he said, 84% of young voters were unhappy with Malaysia’s economic situation as well as the government’s handling of their future.

“This is because the country’s issues have not changed. In fact, they are getting worse as the cost of living has gone up,” said the former Pandan MP.

He said Pakatan Harapan would have its work cut out in “fixing” the issues plaguing the country should it win GE15.

Rafizi also pointed out that former prime minister Najib Razak would cut down on subsidies for the people when he helmed the government.

“When PH won in 2018, oil prices had to be stabilised as subsidies were needed to keep CEOs from getting extra money into their pockets.

“Najib thought it was wise to cut subsidies then, but look at the situation now. The Muhyiddin Yassin and Ismail-led governments did not dare to cut subsidies as they knew it was a mistake,” he said.

Meanwhile, he said, BN failed to solve issues involving the National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN), adding that the corporation managed to accumulate about RM40 billion in debt in 2018.

“We tried to fix the issue by making sure that those earning more than RM4,000 should pay for these loans and those who were not earning enough did not have to pay them. We were going to find another way to pay back these loans.

“However, the debt accumulated (by BN) was too much. This is why it is important to vote for a government who can strengthen the economy,” he said. - FMT