The prime minister was quoted earlier this week to have said that the Barisan Nasional has fulfilled its election promises with the unveiling of the 9th Malaysia Plan. Here is a list comparing the BN's 2004 Election Manifesto and what has transpired since then.
I urge the prime minister to re-read his own manifesto before making grandiose but fraudulent proclamations.
On education , the manifesto said:
- Barisan Nasional has worked hard to provide universal access to education. We will ... foster student interaction to enhance national unity.
The reality
- "I will never allow non-bumiputeras to enter UiTM. I will ensure that the percentage of Malay students given places at public universities will always be higher than the percentage under the previous quota system." - then Higher Education Minister Dr Shafie Salleh , Umno General Assembly 2004.
On the economy , the manifesto said:
- BN cares about your needs and will seek your views on important issues.
The reality
- "I hope the public will not question the money saved..." - Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi , March 17, 2006, on the RM4.4 billion saved from fuel subsidies.
On religion and culture , the manifesto said:
- BN will continue to promote peace, prosperity and harmony among all Malaysians.
The reality
- "Let no one from the other races ever question the rights of Malays on this land. Don't question the religion because this is my right on this land. Don't poke at this nest, for if it were disturbed, these hornets will strike and destroy the country." - Jerai MP Badruddin Amiruddin , Umno General Assembly 2004.
On corruption and abuse of power , the manifesto said:
- BN will continue the all-out campaign against corruption, without fear or favour.
The reality
- "Umno does not intend to report the cases to the ACA. We have our own mechanism." - Radzi Sheikh Ahmad , Umno secretary-general, on money politics in Umno.
On Parliament and democracy , the manifesto said:
- Barisan Nasional is strongly committed to parliamentary democracy, which gives each citizen a say in the administration of this nation.
The reality
- "Bloody racist, racist [...] Itu perkauman, perkauman punya ahli parlimen. Mahu beri 500 India.' - Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Mohd Nazri Aziz , June 22, 2005, Parliament.
On human rights and freedom , the manifesto said:
- Barisan Nasional safeguards the interests of all citizens. We listen to and act on the hopes and aspirations of all groups regardless of age, gender, ethnic background and religion.
The reality
- "We will not think twice about using this law against anyone who incites - that's why we still need the Sedition Act and ISA (Internal Security Act)." - Mohd Nazri Aziz , March 20, 2006.