KUALA LUMPUR – A Pakatan Harapan lawmaker believes the coalition has not done enough to convince the public that it deserves another shot in Putrajaya a year after losing federal power.
This is despite many of her colleagues believing that PH has made enough progress and remains a strong force, besides being a better alternative to the current Perikatan Nasional government.
DAP’s Kulai MP, Teo Nie Ching, told The Vibes today that she feels PH could have done better in the year following the infamous “Sheraton Move”, and that it has not necessarily shown it is capable of handling the Covid-19 crisis any better.
“I personally won’t say (that we have done enough to convince the rakyat). We could have been more organised and put aside personal grievances, among many things.
“I think people are looking forward to seeing alternatives from PH. The people need to be convinced that PH is capable of handling the pandemic better than PN.”
Among others, Teo suggested that the coalition set up caucuses on the various issues plaguing the country, and for a shadow cabinet to be formed.
“Perhaps, only then will we be seen as a government-in-waiting.”
The former deputy education minister does not rule out PH returning to federal power in the 15th general election, but said all opposition parties must be united.
This sentiment is shared by Amanah vice-president and Pokok Sena MP Datuk Mahfuz Omar, although he feels the people are more convinced of PH’s ability than that of PN.
Mahfuz, who was deputy human resources minister, said the opposition coalition still has a strong core, as well as grassroots support – key factors that he said could determine the outcome of GE15.
“Although I admit there were some weaknesses during our 22 months in power, the rakyat can surely see that PN’s weaknesses are far worse,” he said, citing the ruling pact’s infighting and failure to address unemployment and economic issues.
“Having said that, PH must not allow any room for clashes in seats among opposition parties; it won’t end well for us. No matter how much we may hate each other, we need to unite with all other parties in the bloc.”
Though he did not mention names, it appears to be a reference to the strained relationship between opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who now leads Pejuang and is no longer a part of PH.
Tomorrow marks exactly a year since the PH government collapsed, following Dr Mahathir’s resignation from the top job and the withdrawal of Bersatu and several PKR MPs from the coalition, just a day after a high-profile meeting among several party leaders at the Sheraton hotel in Petaling Jaya.
PH can offer reforms
PKR’s Kapar MP, Datuk Abdullah Sani Abdul Hamid, said the coalition has “definitely done enough” to be given another opportunity at federal power, especially when comparisons are made to PN’s policy failures.
He said based on his observation, many on the ground are upset with the PN administration, which is seen to have left bread-and-butter issues unaddressed.
Additionally, he said, PH’s promise to reform government institutions is a strong pull factor for voters – an ingredient missing for PN.
Asked why such reforms were not fully implemented when PH was in power, he pointed to Dr Mahathir, saying the then prime minister lacked commitment.
“The majority of the reforms we wanted did not materialise. He was never sincere about making changes; he was just being frivolous.”
Abdullah Sani’s party colleague, Subang MP Wong Chen, said while Covid-19 has made it difficult for PH to showcase its strengths, the coalition has proven to be an effective opposition during Parliament sittings in the past year.
However, he said, rather than PH itself, what could determine its fate in the elections is whether PN has demonstrated competency in managing the pandemic and national economy.
At the moment, the coalition is still ironing out differences pertaining to the issue of support for Anwar and Dr Mahathir, he said, adding that many in the coalition are still admirers of the former prime minister.
“I believe time will heal. The good thing is, PH is back to the original coalition of PKR, DAP and Amanah.” – The Vibes, February 23, 2021
