Pakatan will deliver on GE14 promises in 6 months, says Daim

KUALA TERENGGANU: Th e Pakatan Harapan government is expected to deliver on the promises it made in the 14th General Election in six months, says Council of Eminent Persons chairman Tun Daim Zainuddin.

He said he expects the people to return and support the government once it delivers its promises, especially by paying more attention to the economy.

“We needed time to make them happen. The government needed time to look into all the reports, which the council has submitted. There are items that can proceed speedily, and there are issues that need time. There are also matters that touch on the nation’s security.

“The Rantau by-election showed the people’s concern about the economy,” he said during a break of the Bicara Darul Iman programme.

Daim said the government was looking into housing and the abolishment of tolls, and when the time was right, Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad will make the announcement.

“You must remember that the Council of Eminent Persons was set up after the general election, and before the formation of the cabinet.

“We needed to know the country’s financial position and now that we know, we have submitted 17 reports. Some are serious secrets that may not be revealed.

“So now you know that it is not easy to govern. They don’t know the headache that comes with becoming a prime minister. But everyone involved in politics will ultimately want to become the prime minister.

“Similarly, those involved in business dislike red tape. And I believe that the private sector is the engine of growth. We must encourage them because it not only benefits them (profits) but also the people (taxes).

“The government must create the environment. We get 28 per cent from tax. This is the revenue that we use to provide more infrastructure,” he added.

Earlier, he touched on the Bumiputera economy and asked the audience to question why Terengganu and Kelantan, with their huge Malay majorities, were left behind economically.

“And yet, in Kuala Lumpur, people from Terengganu and Kelantan are doing extremely well. The chairman of Petronas is from Terengganu, as is the chief executive officer (CEO) of TNB.

“Tun Salleh Abas, former lord president of the Supreme Court, was from Besut. The late Tan Sri Yahaya Ahmad, founder, chairman and CEO of DRB-Hicom, was from Marang. Tan Sri Halim Mazmin, the chairman of Matrade, grew up in Kuala Terengganu.

“Kelantan has many successful personalities. This goes to show that when push comes to shove, and if they have to compete, Malays from these states can rise to the challenge and compete.

“Many Malays are left behind economically because traditionally, we were pigeonholed into being farmers and fishermen. And to this day, many are dependent on government subsidies. This must change.”

He said there was nothing wrong with being a fisherman.

“But we must look at developed nations to see how we can make it a profitable and sustainable sector. For instance, look at European and Japanese fishermen. In Norway, the fishing industry is second to only the oil and gas industry. The Japanese commercial fishing industry is worth US$14 billion (RM57.4 billion).

“Here in Terengganu, you have Fakaruddin Kadir from Besut, who is a self-made millionaire from his fish-farming business. He is only 40.

“Likewise, there is nothing wrong with being a farmer. But we should work with our natural resources and see what works in our soil and climate, instead of working against nature.

“Use research and new technologies to make farming more efficient and profitable.

“For example, many Malays plant padi, which we know is heavily subsidised, even in other nations, including Taiwan. This is not sustainable.

“Make yourself part of the Bumiputera economy. Make your success and your long-term growth and development part of the Bumiputera economy. Make your children’s education part of the Bumiputera agenda.

“Make them proud to be able to stand on their own two feet because that is what the Bumiputera agenda should be all about.

“Tell yourselves, from now on, you want to change the Bumiputera agenda. You will participate. You will make the difference, and ensure that you all will succeed.

“Words alone are no good. Take action and show results,” he added.