YOURSAY | ‘Political honesty equally important as development.’

Harapan convention: Govt achievements, reform agenda played up in speeches

Illusion: What type of Pakatan Harapan convention is this? Transport Minister Anthony Loke could only cite a minor achievement under his ministry, namely the Rapid Transit System (RTS), and little else about the nation over the last three years.

Two leaders even used the forum to criticise their own bosses.

Malacca Harapan chief Adam Adli Abdul Halim warned against members, especially the top leadership, deviating from the coalition’s original struggle after gaining power.

Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow stressed that voter support cannot be taken for granted.

“The people don’t just want slogans, but leadership that can bring forth stability, development, and confidence in their state’s future.”

These words are like a slap in Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s face because there have been almost zero reforms as promised before the 15th general election.

PinkJaguar7289: Harapan must stop dressing up inherited mega-projects as “new achievements”.

Many of these ideas were already on the table under previous governments, but were stalled because of funding constraints, political delays, or the need for heavy borrowing.

When Harapan was in opposition, similar mega spending was condemned as wasteful, reckless, or crony-driven. Now, after taking power, the coalition revives similar projects, borrows heavily, and calls it progress.

Where are Harapan’s fresh ideas? Where is the reform model that reduces leakages, improves the affordability of public transport, and protects taxpayers from future debt?

Development is necessary, but so is political honesty.

Quigonbond: I do not think this is the right tune to sing. The government should openly admit that reforms have been slow, though it has done some good things along the way.

It should explain how Umno and BN are sabotaging the reform agenda. It should also apologise for giving more attention to unproductive activities harmful to national harmony while squeezing the middle class.

Humility will go a long way in restoring credibility.

This is not new. Many have long warned that BN would betray Harapan.

In leadership, people do not vote for you because you are nice. Just look at (former US presidents) Jimmy Carter and Joe Biden. You get voted in because you are humane and effective.

How sad. Two-and-a-half years of political capital have been totally wasted, with near-zero reform.

Wong Fei Hoong: Harapan is not addressing the challenges faced by the rakyat. There is no point in trumpeting achievements when major issues remain unresolved, including racial harmony, education policies, the economy, incompetent ministers, and corruption.

How many VIPs have actually been charged and found guilty? “No further action” and “discharge not amounting to acquittal” seem to be the catchphrases now.

BlueShark1548: PKR picked Johor to showcase its achievements, but its leaders failed to address the coalition’s failure to honour its GE15 manifesto.

Johor will deliver Harapan's message of GE16 - voters from all racial groups will reject the coalition.

For the majority, Anwar has achieved nothing. His attempts to appease voters through race and religion rather than merit and needs have failed to satisfy the majority while angering minorities.

DAP will struggle to retain its seats. Many of its strongmen may fall in GE16.

Mano: Did they also list the massive corruption cases under Harapan? Did they mention the many occasions Harapan remained silent when racist and religious attacks were directed at Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Aminuddin Harun, including by its own coalition partners?

Did they mention how Anwar proclaimed victory over the eviction of a 130-year-old temple to make way for a mosque named Madani?

The list is endless.

HJ Angus: It would be easier for people to judge the government’s performance if Harapan did not have to cooperate with BN.

I am prepared to support Harapan again if it is given a clearer and stronger mandate for a full term.

Let us give the coalition a stronger mandate so the government can finally serve out a full term.

World Citizen: Do they realise that the emperor has no clothes? Keep praising yourselves while citizens grow fed up with betrayals, corruption, abuse of power, racism, failed reforms, and nepotism.

You should be very worried because you do not have much time left to enjoy power and all its perks.

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