Kit Siang: Time for Harapan to review unfulfilled manifesto pledges

It is time for Pakatan Harapan to review unfulfilled manifesto pledges in order to regain the public's confidence, said DAP veteran Lim Kit Siang.

"A total of 444 days has passed since the change of government and it is time for us to assess again our manifesto and promises made during the 14th general election.

"Allow us to be frank with Malaysians and admit, if there is, that some of the promises are near impossible to implement and I believe that the people will appreciate our effort (and) that we had tried our best," he said at the Malaysian Economic Symposium in Kuala Lumpur today.

"So, let us review any promise that we were unable to fulfil in 100 days or in the first year," he said.

He said such a review is important to ensure the country is moving in the right direction.

Furthermore, Lim said Harapan should be guided by the five key promises contained in its manifesto.

These comprised introducing institutional and political reform; reducing the burden of the people; spurring equitable and sustainable economic growth; restoring Sabah and Sarawak's status; and creating an inclusive, moderate and globally respected country.

Harapan leaders should be aware that "large segments" of supporters perceived that the ruling coalition was following in the footsteps of the BN administration, said Lim, who is also Gelang Patah MP.

"While I believe there were wrong (to think so), we must convey our message in a way that would convice them and address their disappointment," he said.

Harapan’s unfulfilled manifesto pledges have been among the issues raised by the opposition, and have also been cited as a reason for deteriorating public confidence in the ruling government.

Earlier this month, Harapan had announced the setting up of a new committee to ensure it fulfils election promises.

The symposium was co-organised by Dewan Rakyat speaker Mohamad Ariff Md Yusof, the Backbenchers Council, and the parliamentary Reform and Governance Caucus.

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