Anwar Ibrahim launches Pakatan Harapan’s 2022 election manifesto
KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysia's opposition coalition Pakatan Harapan (PH) on Wednesday (Nov 2) launched its election manifesto "Tawaran Harapan" ("Offer of Hope") that focuses on improving the country's ailing economy.
KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysia's opposition coalition Pakatan Harapan (PH) on Wednesday (Nov 2) launched its election manifesto "Tawaran Harapan" ("Offer of Hope") that focuses on improving the country's ailing economy.
The coalition will use the hashtags #KitaBoleh (#We Can) and #MalaysiaBangkit (#Rise Malaysia) during campaigning to identify 10 areas that needed urgent attention.
“Harapan is determined to rebuild Malaysia following the 30 months of destruction by the Barisan-Perikatan Nasional coalition over the past 30 months," PH leader Anwar Ibrahim said during the manifesto launch.
“They are devoid of ideas concerning long-term issues like the people’s needs, climate change and the recovery of the lost generation in education.
“With our strong will, leadership and clear manifesto, we can redevelop Malaysia again with a big turnout on polling day on November 19.”
Mr Anwar, who is PH's prime minister candidate, said the issue after all these years is still the same: Corruption.
“This manifesto is good because Umno-Barisan Nasional don’t have any clue about honesty as so many of their leaders are involved in corrupt practices,” he said, referring to the ruling party and coalition.
Mr Anwar alluded to the pandemic that killed thousands and led to several lockdowns that devastated the economy.
He also said the extended lockdowns had led to an increase in the number of poor, especially among the Orang Asli (indigenous people) and Indians, with no solutions in sight.
He said, as such, only PH has the best plan for the country’s future.
“I want to emphasise that we are confident and do not to apologise for our stance as we stand with all races. The multiculturalism we have in this party, which our rivals want to racialise, will not deter our fight for the people.
“I implore the people to vote for us so we have a clear majority after GE15 and get rid of this flip-flopping government, bloated Cabinet with 70 ministers and stop the appointment of special envoys who get paid for doing nothing,” he added, referring to Malaysia's 15th general election in two weeks' time.
Parti Keadilan Rakyat secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution said PH has come up with a winning formula.
He said however that the coalition must be careful not make any mistakes from now until Nov 19.
“We are making good progress, but one mistake can cause an avalanche. We have had requests and demands, but with moderation, patience and unity, we have made great strides to get to today," he said.
“Thank you to everyone who made this a reality.”
Secretary-general of another component party, Democratic Action Party, Mr Anthony Loke said that with the manifesto launch, PH has completed its preparations for the 15th general election.
“We put Anwar in Tambun, worked day and night to mediate matters with the disgruntled, and then we made an electoral pact with Muda (Malaysian United Democratic Alliance) despite difficulties in the beginning.
“After all that, and having been involved in several elections, I can say this is the best preparations we have had. All leaders in PH agreed that our cooperation is paramount. This cooperation will be our base to achieve success, and this will be reflected in the people,” he said.
Mr Loke said that despite issues with seat allocations, as a coalition, PH will always compromise and is unanimous in wanting Mr Anwar as the next prime minister.
Also in attendance were Amanah president Mohamad Sabu, Muda president Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman and United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (Upko) president Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau. MALAY MAIL