The Pakatan Harapan government must recognise the rakyat’s disappointment and be honest about why they are unable to fulfil certain manifesto promises, says DAP adviser Lim Kit Siang.
He warned that many voters feel that the Pakatan government was returning to the ways of the previous Barisan Nasional administration.
The deputy chairman of the parliamentary caucus on reform and governance said that the government must reassess its 14th General Election (GE14) promises to boost public confidence in it.
“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.
“I believe Malaysians will appreciate the effort.
“We must send the message and convince them that their disappointment is a mistake and that the Pakatan Harapan government is always committed to lead the country towards Malaysia Baharu,” he said.
Lim was speaking at the Malaysian Economic Symposium in Kuala Lumpur today.
The symposium was co-organised by Dewan Rakyat speaker Mohamad Ariff Md Yusof, The Backbencher Council (BBC), and the parliamentary reform and governance caucus.
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.
Lim also said Pakatan must continue to uphold the five pillars of its manifesto which are addressing the people’s burden, institutional and political reforms, sustainable and equitable economic growth, the rights of Sabah and Sarawak under the Malaysia Agreement 1963, and a more inclusive and moderate Malaysia.