Stop using unity govt as excuse for sluggish performance, PH leaders told

 

Pakatan Harapan joined forces with Barisan Nasional, Gabungan Parti Sarawak and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah to form a unity government with the support of MPs from Warisan, Parti Bangsa Malaysia and an independent bloc after the last general election. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA: Pakatan Harapan (PH) should refrain from using the “unity government” as an excuse when addressing public dissatisfaction, especially considering its sluggish progress in fulfilling manifestos and promises, says former health minister Khairy Jamaluddin.

Khairy and former Umno information chief Shahril Hamdan today argued that PH had not lived up to the expectations generated by its 15th general election (GE15) manifesto.

“Now that there is discontent, they say, ‘Do not blame us as we are forced to collaborate within the unity government. This is not the PH government’,” Khairy said in a Keluar Sekejap podcast.

Khairy said there were other manifesto promises that could be delivered without the need for a “total PH government”, citing the dual positions held by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. The latter is also the finance minister.

In its 14th general election (GE14) manifesto, PH had pledged that the prime minister would not hold other ministerial posts, especially that of the finance minister.

“Now, Rafizi (Ramli) is insisting that Anwar is the best man for the finance minister position. You (PH) have become ridiculous,” he said.

“You are doing the same thing you attacked Barisan Nasional (BN) for. The only difference is he is Anwar, not Najib,” he added.

Khairy said a second finance minister should be appointed to serve as a check and balance.

Shahril said he couldn’t understand the reappointment of Azam Baki as the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner given that both BN and PH pledged in their GE15 manifestos that a parliamentary select committee (PSC) would vet appointments for such posts.

“So, the excuse is not only weak but also contradicts the reality of what was promised on paper,” he added.

Meanwhile, the duo said they were impressed with some of the master plans introduced by the unity government, such as the Madani economic narrative, National Energy Transition Roadmap and the New Industrial Master Plan 2030.

However, Khairy noted that tangible results from these government initiatives were yet to be felt due to the inherently long-term nature of all the plans.

“Hence, the first year can be characterised as a performative but underperforming display by the government,” he said.

PH chairman Anwar took his oath of office on Nov 24, 2022, five days after GE15 which ended in a hung Parliament.

His PH coalition joined forces with BN, Gabungan Parti Sarawak and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah to form a unity government with the support of MPs from Warisan, Parti Bangsa Malaysia and an independent bloc. - FMT