PKR Youth took the Pakatan Rakyat state governments to task, saying that they still have a long way to go in getting the public to fully embrace them.

amk pkr youth agm congress 280510 shamsul iskandar Its chief Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin said that the Pakatan state governments cannot rely on highlighting past mistakes by previous BN rulers, but come up with their own rakyat -friendly policies that will make the state governments a force on its own.

"True, after BN's 50 years of ruling, there has been a lot of damage done by them.

"True, it is unfair to ask for a state government that is not even three years old to fix all the leftovers of the previous state government.

"But it is more important for us to take proactive steps to ensure that the lives of the people are better now as compared to the time under the BN administration.

"Because we prioritise the needs of the people, we still need to work harder to achieve the hopes and aspirations of the people," he said in his opening address at the wing's annual congress in Kota Bharu this morning.

Citing one of the Selangor state government policies, he said that they could do more.

“Til when do we want to campaign to the people by just giving them free water? We have to fulfil the joint vision for the economy, and a competent state administration,” he charged.

‘Our last chance’

He also said that traditional BN problems are still plaguing the Pakatan administration, and that it is the PKR’s last chance before the next general elections to impress the voters who had supported them in the previous elections.

“Weaknesses in the delivery system, like unnecessary bureaucracy and communication breakdowns must be overcome immediately.

“PKR Youth is disappointed because these mistakes are still not fully rectified and we urge for the state leaders to use whatever resources they have in overcoming the obstacles in the state administration,” he said.

Later when speaking to reporters, he said that some state GLCs are still led by Umno strongmen, and that they should be removed.

While saying that he appreciates Kapar MP S Manikavasagam’s “revelation” on the sand scandal involving state-owned sand and minerals mining company Kumpulan Semesta Sdn Bhd, he disagreed with Manikavasagam's public outburst on the matter.

Shamsul added that all Pakatan state governments should form their own ombudsman for effective check and balance.

The one hour-long opening address by the youth chief appeared more introspective, rather than the expected brickbats and attacks at PKR enemies and the 10 lawmakers who have defected since 2009.

Shamsul admits youths supporting BN