Pakatan Harapan’s manifesto for the 15th general election (GE15) will be treated like a “holy book” (kitab suci), said Harapan youth chief Kelvin Yii today.

This is unlike the coalition’s former chairperson Dr Mahathir Mohamad who had said in 2018 that the manifesto was not a holy book.

Speaking at a Harapan youth event today, Yii (above) said the statement made by Mahathir back then was a personal opinion and not shared by others within the coalition.

“There are negative sentiments each time the manifesto is mentioned (because) a previous leader had in the past said that the manifesto was not a holy book.

“However we would like to assure the rakyat that our offers and the Harapan manifesto will be treated like a holy book because it is our promise to rakyat,” he said at the event held in Petaling Jaya.

Yii said that in 2018, DAP veteran Lim Kit Siang had met with the former premier, urging the latter to respect the rakyat’s mandate and fulfil Harapan’s manifesto and promises.

Anwar committed to promises

Moving forward, Yii said, principles set by current Harapan chairperson Anwar Ibrahim were at the forefront of the coalition, and they were committed to fulfilling all promises made.

Harapan’s ambitious manifesto for the 14th general election received flak during its 22 months in office.

Many academics had noted its unrealistic targets, particularly on issues such as addressing the cost of living, healthcare budgets and resolving student loans under the National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN).

Come GE15, Harapan still plans to address these pertinent issues. Its youth coalition today provided a small insight into Harapan’s election manifesto that will be announced on Nov 2.

The five main issues it would address are:

  • Abolishing the University and University College Act 1971 (Auku) to provide autonomy for higher education institutions.

  • Providing standard flight prices for students within Peninsular, Sabah dan Sarawak intending to fly home for holidays.

  • Affordable housing for youth.

  • Enact a Climate Change Act.

  • Promoting entrepreneurship among the youth.

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