EXCLUSIVE | The government will soon form a special committee to ensure that Pakatan Harapan's manifesto promises are delivered.

Speaking to Malaysiakini, Bersatu strategy and policy bureau chief Rais Hussin said the committee will include civil society organisations, activists and appointed representatives from the four component parties.

"The Manifesto Monitoring Committee (MMC) will be set up soon to ensure all of Harapan's promises, including the 10 promises in the first 100 days, will be delivered to the people.

"Today is the prime minister's (Dr Mahathir Mohamad) first day in office, officially, and we are seeing good progress in delivering what is best for Malaysians,” he said.

Harapan had unveiled its 194-page manifesto last March.

Among the 10 promises for the first 100 days include abolishing GST, reintroducing petrol subsidy for targeted groups, increasing and standardising minimum wage, as well as forming Royal Commissions of Inquiry on various scandals such as 1MDB, Felda, Tabung Haji and others.

However, Rais (photo) said the new government will require some time to deliver on these as cabinet ministers have not been sworn in.

“We will deliver our promises to the people.

"Putrajaya was not built in a day. Do give us some time and we will do our best for the people of Malaysia," he added.

Feedback, criticism from public welcomed

Rais said the MMC will focus on two major areas, delivering promises at the federal and state levels.

"Aside from the 10 promises for the first 100 days, we have 60 promises in total in our Harapan manifesto.

“There are five special commitments across all sections of the Malaysian community," he added.

Rais also lauded constructive criticism and suggestions from the public with regard to the federal government.

"The Harapan government has been receiving a lot of messages and suggestions from various people and organisations. This is a good sign.

"This is what I call participatory democracy – Malaysians are taking part actively in the discussions in terms of policies and providing constructive criticism," he said.

“This will definitely help keep us in check. Gone are the days of the old politics, we want to listen to the people.

"Harapan was voted in by the people and the government serves the people. We encourage Malaysians to tell us what is best for the country," he added.