DPM: GIVE PAKATAN TIME TO FULFIL ELECTION PROMISES
Wan Azizah says month-old govt has 70 days to fulfil pledges
“GIVE us space and time to fulfil our promises,” said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail on the implementation of Pakatan Harapan manifesto after forming the government following its victory in the 14th General Election (GE14).
Realising PH was being “attacked” by the opposition, which is demanding that pledges made during GE14 be implemented immediately, Dr Wan Azizah said the government was working on delivering on the promises made to the people.
She said the government had just taken over the administration of the country a month ago.
There was still time, especially in implementing the 10 initiatives to be delivered within 100 days.
“We need a strong opposition for checks and balances, but it’s only been 30 days. There are 70 days to go.
“We still have time… so, be patient and wait.
“God willing, we will accomplish them to the best of our abilities,” she said in an interview with Bernama.
However, Dr Wan Azizah said implementation of several initiatives had begun, such as the zero-rated Goods and Services Tax (GST), which would be abolished during the first session of the Dewan Rakyat.
“The price of RON95 petrol is stable and is no longer floating.”
Dr Wan Azizah, who is also women, family and community development minister, said the ministry was working to realise the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) scheme for housewives.
“At the moment, there is a snag because under Section 51 of the EPF Act, the (11 per cent) contribution by employees cannot be touched.
“Hence, the husband cannot take two per cent out of the 11 per cent of his EPF contribution for the wife.
“We are looking at ways to overcome this.”
She said PH pledges were based on information obtained before winning the GE14 on May 9.
It was only after taking over Putrajaya that PH realised the real financial situation and the previous government’s weakness in corporate governance.
Among the 10 PH promises to be delivered within 100 days are to stabilise the price of petrol and reinstate targeted petrol subsidies, postpone the repayment of the National Higher Education Fund for graduates earning below RM4,000 per month, abolish unnecessary debts imposed on Felda settlers and equalise the minimum wage nationally.