After days of waiting for confirmation, Malaysians heaved a collective sigh of relief when our tenth prime minister was finally appointed ––– Dato’ Sri Anwar Ibrahim. As the chairman of Pakatan Harapan (PH), Anwar will be leading a unity government comprised of PH, Barisan Nasional, and Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS).
During GE15, PH won the greatest number of seats with a total of 82 seats including its component party DAP but failed to obtain the 112 seats to form a simple majority in Parliament.
As such a unity government will be formed with a power-sharing structure as no single party managed to obtain a sufficient majority. This means that the parties will have the opportunity to agree on a joint manifesto that will enable them to incorporate their principles and policies as much as possible.
It is interesting to note that their election manifesto included a pledge to have a total of two deputy prime ministers ––– one from Peninsular Malaysia and one from East Malaysia. Anwar has stated that this role will be held by the other component coalitions –– BN and GPS.
As egg enthusiasts, one of our hopes is that the egg shortage issue will finally be solved. However, there are many pressing concerns faced by our citizens that PH has promised in their manifesto ––– although they may not be able to fulfil all their promises with this type of government. Anwar has reiterated his promise that he will not be taking his salary as PM. Here’s a look at their top ten:
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Addressing the issue of costs of living
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Abolishing cartels
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Provide sufficient food supplies
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Increase production incentives
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Cutting highway toll prices
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Combating corruption and strengthening the democratic institution
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Declaration of assets
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Introduction of the Freedom of Information Act
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Vetting of the nomination of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission chief
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Empowering economic opportunities for the youth by exploring the humanitarian section (Green, Agro, Care, Creative, Technical and Vocational Education and Training)
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Establishing a career development system
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Introduction of scholarships for the B40 group
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Saving the lost generation in education
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Termination of PTPTN loan repayment in stages
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Increasing the chances of high-scoring SPM and STPM students to attend public universities
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Building Disaster Resilience and improving on the protection given (assistance of up to RM50,000 for affected homes)
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National Disaster Protection Scheme
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Disaster and Flood Preparedness plan
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Addressing the issue of contract doctors and ensuring the welfare of health workers
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Introduction of a National Health Service Commission
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Decriminalising suicide attempts
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Addressing the issue of gender inequality and women’s socioeconomic empowerment
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Childcare subsidies
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Overcoming period poverty
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National Strategy Plan for Handling the Causes of Child Marriage 2025
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Empowering the Sabah and Sarawak region
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Strengthening customary land rights
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Land tribunal
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Increase the competitiveness of every Malaysian, especially the vulnerable groups
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Industry facilitation
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Strategic funding
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Upgrade of infrastructure
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Preserving our natural heritage for our future generations
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Climate Change Act
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Designation of marine protection areas
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Transboundary Haze Pollution Act
These are big promises and only time will tell if they will be fulfilled. Let’s all hope for a better Malaysia! You can read up on their full manifesto here.
Image credit: facebook.com/pakatanharapan.my