A manifesto is a responsibility for voters and cannot be simply set aside by the Pakatan Harapan government, said Negeri Sembilan Bersatu chairperson Rais Yatim.

He said the manifesto served as the basis that would help voters to make their choice in an election.

Therefore, he said, if most of the manifesto could not be realised, the Harapan government would be criticised by the people.

“If the manifesto cannot be implemented, Harapan should form a special panel to review the manifesto ...what is important is for the people to know that it (manifesto) is being studied.

“Otherwise, what’s the point of having a manifesto,” he told reporters when met in Port Dickson last night.

Recently, former International Trade and industry Minister Rafidah Aziz was reported to have expressed her frustration with Harapan for not allowing Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad to also assume the role of education minister by sticking to its election manifesto.

She also cautioned the new government that it risked losing power if it could not make key decisions by being encumbered by its manifesto pledges.

- Bernama