Citizens hope new administration will not disappoint
KUALA LUMPUR: The massive victory of Pakatan Harapan in the 14th General Election has put an end to six decades of Barisan Nasional administration in Malaysia, bringing a new hope and inspiration for the people.
The GE14, dubbed the “mother of all elections”, saw Pakatan, comprising four opposition parties namely PKR, DAP, Parti Amanah Negara and Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia, winning 113 out of the 222 parliamentary seats and forming a new government with a simple majority.
National laureate Datuk Dr Zurinah Hassan said Pakatan’s victory was nothing shocking as the people’s sentiment and support, which was clearly in favour of the coalition, had been pervasive over social media, including WhatsApp.
To start with, Pakatan has to fulfil its mandate to ensure a more comfortable life for the people by addressing the rising cost of living issues, she said.
“Pakatan is the people’s new hope.
“But all laureates and players in the arts industry will continue to voice their opinions should they feel that something is not right,” she told Bernama.
Political communication analyst Dr Mohd Khairie Ahmad said the results of the GE14 did not come as a huge surprise to many as the wave for change had begun in 1998.
“I think two decades is more than enough for any movement to mature and for us to finally see the changes,” he said.
Private sector worker Muhammad Afiq Mahadi, 32, said he was excited to witness a new administration led by Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and hoped that the people could enjoy fair distribution of the country’s wealth.
“With a line-up full of prominent leaders, I also hope that the good image of Malaysia in the eyes of the world will be restored and that Malaysia will be respected again,” he said.
Volunteer Mohd Fadly Daud, 39, hoped that all promises contained in the Pakatan manifesto would be fulfilled, as well as other issues such as religion, education, health and well-being of the people in rural areas.
Civil servant Nurhayati Zainuddin, 39, hoped that any party or coalition taking over power in Malaysia would be able to maintain unity among the people so that the country would continue to prosper.
“Right now, it is not about degrading others; what’s important is to ensure that the people’s voice is heard and continues to be heard and that the country will remain peaceful and harmonious.
“With the high expectations placed by the people on Pakatan to make things right, I really hope the new government will not disappoint,” she said.