Feeling uneasy over certain developments

I HAVE many things to remind the Pakatan Harapan government. Pakatan supporters will probably accuse me of being impatient but I am feeling uneasy rather than impatient.

Firstly, all the “lions” of Pakatan have gone silent for whatever the reason. They are no longer speaking up on issues that would have provoked strong reaction from them in the past. It is as if no one is fighting for multiracial and multicultural Malaysia anymore.

It is not like the building of new Chinese primary schools was being approved every day in the past. It took us a general election campaign to get the previous government to approve the building of 10 new schools. Hence, I find it too convenient and too sweeping for the present Education Minister to suspend the projects pending “professional study”. I think he has to tell us the time frame for this study.

The same goes for the recognition of the UEC qualification. By all means, go ahead with another “holistic study” but please save us the charade. Just tell us what other factors are being considered by the Education Ministry and the time frame of their study.

Where are the impacts of zero GST? Aren’t we supposed to get at least a 6% reduction from the prices charged on goods and services previously? If not, why not?

Furthermore, as the sales and services tax (SST) will be implemented soon, I hope the government is prepared to face another round of price increases.

Why do we need Suhakam and NGOs to remind the federal government on the evils of child marriage? Why is the government so afraid to do the right thing boldly and quickly?

We also need more cogent and serious considerations on the appointment of the Dewan Rakyat Speaker. We do not need a “don’t challenge me” speaker or one who only knows how to run errands or is beholden to someone else.

We need a speaker who has the tenacity to uphold the legislature against the onslaught of the executive branch.

I am glad the prime minister has taken notice of the “clandestine” appointment of friends and supporters of politicians to government positions without proper justification. I think the restriction should not be confined to federal ministers. Has anyone read the proposal by mentris besar and chief ministers to appoint special advisers and officers to appease strong party supporters?

I have a few more things to get off my chest but I think these can wait for another day.