Amanah convention: In the shadow of PAS
ANALYSIS | It is important to note that aside of pointing out some flaws in how the government handled issues concerning financial management, the Parti Amanah Negara convention on Sunday in Ipoh discussion was short of concrete suggestions on what measures Amanah or the Pakatan Harapan government could take to get the country out of its debt and to strengthen its financial entities.
But it would be rather unfair not to mention some visionary arguments brought up by certain delegates concerning the economy and the people's livelihoods.
One that should be mentioned is Wan Shah Jihan Wan Din, from Kelantan Amanah, who called on Harapan to address the economic imbalance between the west coast and east coast states.
In debating party president's policy speech, he said the low economic opportunities in the east coast states - where Harapan largely lost in the 14th general election - would only lead to the people there being easily swayed by religious rhetoric and not think maturely.
Also when debating the president's policy speech, Malacca delegate Azrin Abdul Majid called for the government to list out complaints by the rakyat, especially those from B40 group, and to provide assistance to them as soon as possible...
ANALYSIS | It is important to note that aside of pointing out some flaws in how the government handled issues concerning financial management, the Parti Amanah Negara convention on Sunday in Ipoh discussion was short of concrete suggestions on what measures Amanah or the Pakatan Harapan government could take to get the country out of its debt and to strengthen its financial entities.
But it would be rather unfair not to mention some visionary arguments brought up by certain delegates concerning the economy and the people's livelihoods.
One example was Wan Shah Jihan Wan Din, from Kelantan Amanah, who called on Harapan to address the economic imbalance between the west coast and east coast states.
In debating party president's policy speech, he said the low economic opportunities in the east coast states - where Harapan largely lost in the 14th general election - would only lead to the people there being easily swayed by religious rhetoric and not think maturely.
Also when debating the president's policy speech, Malacca delegate Azrin Abdul Majid called for the government to list out complaints by the rakyat, especially those from B40 group, and to provide assistance to them as soon as possible.
He also called for the government to provide full study loans that would cover poor students' fees and living costs as well as for Harapan to keep it promises to provide housing solutions for the younger generation.
A list of resolutions passed showed that a motion for the Harapan manifesto fulfilment to be studied thoroughly was among six resolutions passed without having to go through a debate.
The motion, proposed by the Kelana Jaya Amanah division, stated that they should realise that Harapan's failure to keep its promises could turn out to be a factor that will cut short their mandate to rule the country.
The division proposed that a task force is set up to do a thorough study on all Harapan manifesto promises and for Harapan to set a target of living up to at least 90 percent of its election promises.
While it is commendable for Amanah to accept this motion without debate, it would have been better if this topic was allowed to be discussed by the convention instead of the rather mundane proposal for all Muslims to support the corruption investigation into the Tabung Haji scandal.
This especially at a time where the ruling coalition is facing heavy criticisms from the rakyat at large as well as opposition parties over its U-turns and excuses for not being able to meet many of its election promises.
Paper symbolically torn
Nevertheless, this did not stop several delegates from taking the opportunity to bring up the manifesto promises issue when debating other resolutions.
This was especially notable with Amanah Youth delegate Mohd Ammar Atan (below), who tore up a piece of paper which he used as a symbol of Harapan's manifesto book and to illustrate what he said was the rakyat's disappointment.
"Imagine if this is the Harapan manifesto which we promised the rakyat. How will the rakyat feel?
"They will crush this manifesto," he said while ripping apart the piece of paper he was holding as he gave his speech debating the party president's policy speech on Saturday.
Although having left Pas more than three years ago, many Amanah delegates, as well as top leaders, still seemed to be “haunted” by their former party.
This could be seen from how some speeches were peppered with mentions of the Islamist party which they sarcastically referred to as "parti silam" (party of the past) and "parti suci" (holy party).
This included Amanah Youth leader Sany Hamzan who sang a Broery Marantika song Biar Bulan Bicara to express his despise of PAS in referring to the Islamist party's flag which resembles a moon.
Even Amanah president Mohamad Sabu, better known as Mat Sabu, dedicated a lengthy bit of his policy speech to PAS, criticising the its Malay-centric stand and its cooperation with Harapan's archrival Umno.
Taking a jab at the PAS-Umno bromance, Mat Sabu said both Umno and PAS now thought it was okay for the Malays to support corrupt leaders as long as they were Malays and Muslims.
But the mentions of PAS during the convention also contained some constructive suggestions for Amanah including a call by Pahang Amanah delegate Sazli Mohd Noor for the party to empower its ulama and asatizah (religious teachers) group.
He told the delegates and leaders present there that this was what they should do if they wanted to defeat PAS in future elections.
Criticisms taken positively
Though having originated from a rather conservative party, what could be praised during this convention was how its delegates were allowed democracy and freedom of speech.
This was clearly seen in how some delegates openly criticised their party leaders including their president and this in turn which signalled that they have moved away from their “wala” (obedience to leaders) practice of the past.
For example, Nik Abdul Razak (Amanah Youth) bravely told off Amanah leaders in the cabinet whom he said should not cower and keep quiet on "Mahathir's obsession" over the third national car project.
Another delegate was also very forward in criticising leaders whom he said did not mingle with party delegates to the extent they did not even join them for breakfast.
And to be commended too were the Amanah ministers including Mat Sabu, Khalid Samad and Dzulkefly Ahmad who responded to their delegates' criticisms positively.
Mat Sabu, in his winding-up speech, praised all the delegates for their advice and criticisms saying that the party welcomed both while Khalid and Dzulkefly addressed Nik Abdul Razak's view by saying that Harapan ministers had indeed spoken up to the prime minister in their discussions.
Amanah was supposed to have its party elections this year but this was postponed to next year after permission was obtained from the Registrar of Societies (ROS) the reason being to allow the party to prepare for the general election earlier this year.
Being the last convention before party polls next year, the three-day meet did not see much internal politicking, open attacks on leaders or intense efforts to woo support from the delegates.
It was interesting to see that the party members managed to focus on Amanah being part of the new government although this was marred by some delegates asking for more government posts and opportunities.
