The euphoria surrounding Pakatan Harapan's historic win in the last general election appears to have dissipated as the coalition struggles to live up to expectations after having promised utopia in its manifesto.

Lim Kit Siang, who has been toiling to salvage the situation, had likened the 14th national polls to a single battle and argued that the war to build a New Malaysia cannot be won overnight.

Though criticised for not delivering its election pledges, reversals, unpopular policies and internal bickering, the DAP veteran, however, appeared to suggest that Harapan is ailing due to its rivals perpetuating fake news and hate speech to fan racial and religious sentiments.

However, DAP lawmaker Charles Santiago adopted a more introspective approach.

He believes that when Harapan delivers on its promises, issues of worsening race-relations, fake news and hate speech would become negligible.

Speaking to Malaysiakini, the Klang MP stressed that in order to win the war, the coalition must earn the trust of the people.

“This involves a consistent narrative and concomitant policies that deliver on Harapan's election promises. There is a need to reconnect with the people with a narrative that reflects their aspirations,” he added.

According to Charles, issues such as protecting the Orang Asli, decent wages that reflect the rising cost of living, checking police powers, improving the quality of education, environment, affordable healthcare and closing the inequality gap should top the government's agenda.

He said these issues can be rolled out through the coalition's “shared prosperity” aspiration, which is the administration's theme as it entered its second year.

On the same note, Charles pointed out that friendly-fire among Harapan politicians is another major hindrance to winning the war.

“It doesn't help that we have political infighting and the play of religion on politics. People are disappointed and furious and I totally understand where they are coming from,” he added.

Acknowledging the fact that it is still a new government with cabinet members who are still learning the ropes, the DAP lawmaker conceded that more time is needed for the administration to get its act together.

However, he said when Harapan leaders appeal to Malaysians to be patient, there must also be an act of reciprocation.

“While we appeal for time, I hope Harapan leaders will also show that we are committed to reforms.

“While those who voted us in need to be a bit more patient with us, we too need to show that we are worthy of their trust,” he added.

Sharing his thoughts on the state of race relations, Charles blamed Harapan for providing its opponents with the required space and fodder.

“Because of our inaction and lack of leadership on people-centred issues, we have allowed PAS and Umno to provide a formidable narrative. This is Harapan's undoing.

“Put differently, Harapan created a vacuum that has been successfully filled up by PAS, Umno, fake news and hate speech,” he added.