A year later, Guan Eng soldiers on

Tomorrow, March 8, the country will reach a full year milestone since the historic 12th general election last year.

Last year’s national polls saw Malaysians from all walks of life voting for change. The unprecedented electorate swing benefitted the alternative coalition of Pakatan Rakyat comprising PKR, DAP and PAS and rejected the all powerful Barisan Nasional.

Pakatan was voted in as new state governments in Penang, Perak, Selangor and Kedah. It retained Kelantan and denied BN its two-thirds in Parliament for the first time.

However, after a year, Pakatan already lost the Perak state government by default to BN. The political situation in the silver state is full of uncertainties and confusion.

Unlike Perak, the Penang Pakatan government has managed to survive a year in office without being besieged by political problems, controversies, scandals and party hopping.

The DAP-led Penang government has to be applauded for at least it has steered clear from major political scandals.

Clean and trustworthy

Pakatan elected representatives in this northern island state have to be commended for being able to keep their distance thus far from indulging in political forays that could embarrass and damage the state government.

Perhaps it comes down to the shrewd management skills of rookie Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng that he had kept his government ‘clean and trustworthy’ so far, based on the CAT principles of competence, accountability and transparency.

He may sound arrogant and abrasive at times, but many know that Lim means well. He is aware that the Pakatan government cannot afford to rely on public sympathy and anti-establishment mood alone to survive the next term.

The ground swell favouring Pakatan will not last forever if the Penang government fails to deliver with a difference - this seems clear to Lim.

For his administration to obtain a handsome mandate in the next state election, it has to prove itself in all areas within the next three to four years.

Political analysts generally welcomed the change of government that took place last year but they were hoping it would trigger changes in style of governance, financial administration and social development.

It is fair to say that Lim’s government has achieved some success in several areas, especially in reducing racial barriers and compelling the mainly pro-BN mainstream media to give prominence to Pakatan viewpoints.

But critics would say "there is still much room for improvement."

For the first time, Penangites have a state government that does not dance to the whims and fancies of the federal government.

Local government watchdog, Penang Watch coordinator Ong Boon Keong was spot on in his views of the media paradigm shift, saying that the mainstream press had no choice but to report on Pakatan’s political views too.

"Previously such views would be swept under the carpet by these so-called independent mainstream media," he told Malaysiakini.

Even Lim’s rivals praised his move to introduce multi-lingual road signages and allocation of funds under the state's annual budget for vernacular and independent public religious schools.

Jobs for Penangites

Former Bagan Jermal assemblyperson and MCA division vice-chairperson Ooi Chuan Aik said that the general view was Lim’s government had injected the much needed political excitement by showing different style of governance and execution of policies.

"However, the state government should reduce politicking and mobilise its resources to assist the people to overcome the current economic downturn," said Ooi.

Hindu Action Network (HAN) chief coordinator G Mugunthan concurred that much needed to be done by Lim and company to survive the economic ordeal and stimulate growth in the state.

"Many people, especially industrial workers, have lost and about to lose their jobs. If Lim can help effectively and decisively within his administration’s limited means and capacities, the Pakatan state government popularity will soar," he said.

Recently, HAN had a run-in with Pakatan elected representatives of Indian origin over the Chettiar community’s annual Thaipusam silver chariot procession.

It has died down after Lim and DAP national chairperson Karpal Singh intervened decisively to resolve amicably the controversy, triggered by the Penang Hindu Endowments Board.

But Mugunthan believes it had severely eroded Indian support for Pakatan.

"From now until the next polls, Lim’s government need to regain the confidence of Indian voters by implementing pro-active policies benefitting the much marginalised community," he said.

The Lim Administration has also been frequently lambasted by critics like Ong and reformist movement Aliran executive councillor Anil Netto for failing to restore the third vote, the much desired local government election.

One can recall that Lim re-launched his political career, after serving a 18-month imprisonment term, by flagging off the ‘restore the third vote’ campaign. The campaign was part of DAP election manifesto.

Up till now however, the state government has not restored the third vote, explaining that laws governing local governments have to be amended first at the federal level.

But Anil said at least the state government could stipulate the time frame on when it would not only restore local government elections, but also elections for area and village representatives.

"This would encourage direct public participation in the democratic process at all levels. It is important for the political development of the country," he said.

Declare assets, please

Another contentious issue that Lim needs to address is the declaration of assets by Pakatan elected representatives.

Lim promised the move when he took office from Gerakan president Dr Koh Tsu Koon last year, but has not implemented it yet.

"One does not need to get the federal approval to declare assets. Lim should explain publicly the reasons behind the prolonged delay," said Anil.

Ong felt the state government could have done more on heritage preservation, conservation and promotion, public transportation, cleanliness, tourism, agricultural activities and freedom of information.

"The heritage areas are not seeing much tangible conservation works," he said, alleging that bureaucratic restrictions and corrupt practices have plagued operation of the municipalities.

"Delays in processing business applications and non-enforcement issues of the laws are still abound, very much like the good old BN days," said Ong.

Although political analysts prefer to keep BN at bay and Pakatan at helm, they strongly believe it was all up to Lim’s government to prove its worth and claim the next ruling mandate.

"Lim and company have to refrain from unwarranted politicking and controversies, and just continue to work for the people, with the people and by the people," said former DAP state chairperson and three-term assemblyperson Teoh Teik Huat recently.

The ball, as all can agree, is in Lim’s court.