PH manifesto done without studies, fails to deliver – Pas VP

KOTA BHARU, Aug 15 – Pas described the manifesto by Pakatan Harapan (PH) during the 14th General Election as being prepared by an inexperienced committee, resulting in the government’s failure to fulfil its promises in 100 days.

Pas vice-president, Datuk Mohd Amar Nik Abdullah, said the committee had drafted the manifesto without carrying out prior studies and obtaining clear information.

He said there were possibilities that the group had made assumptions that the manifesto could be delivered smoothly, without taking into accounts the procedures, rules and other aspects in running a government.

“The problem is, the manifesto was drafted by other people; (it was) not done by (prime minister) Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad who has vast experience in the government.

“They (the committee) may not have the experience of being the government, resulting in the lack of knowledge in the ins and outs, as well as its methods.

“They thought that the manifesto would be simple to be delivered… form the government today and fulfil (the promises) the next day? The people given their mandate to PH to form a government because of the promises, which was a main factor, offered to them.

“Despite its failure to fulfil the promises after 100 days forming the government, especially on toll, National Higher Education Fund (PTPTN), and petrol prices, we still hope PH would be able to deliver them in about a year,” he said after attending an exco meeting here, today.

When asked about the administration pattern of the new government, Mohd Amar, who is also deputy Kelantan Menteri Besar, said most of the ministers were seen as ‘struggling’ to shoulder their responsibilities, particularly in issuing statements, answering questions in the Dewan Rakyat, and addressing issues.

“This was probably because they did not have any background as a minister, but we must take it as a learning process and hope that they would overcome (any shortcomings) in the long run.

“Being able to apologise is good, but it also shows that we are not prepared (and) did not study the issues or subjects under our jurisdiction beforehand,” he said.