Muhyiddin: GE14 promises not fulfilled due to high debt

JOHOR BARU: The Pakatan Harapan government could not fulfil its general election promises as it inherited very high debt from the previous administration, says Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

The Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia president said the government did not have the ability (to fulfil the promises) as the country was on the brink of bankruptcy.

“It is not that we want to blame the previous administration but we inherited an administration that was almost bankrupt.

“In reality, our resources are limited and we must refocus our priorities. We are not looking for excuses as we understand the rakyat’s needs, but give us time.

“It’s not that we don’t know. We could not afford it,” he said at the launch of the Bersatu book Mulanya Di sini ... Johor Baru yesterday.

On a separate matter, Muhyiddin, who is also Home Minister, said the government had no intention of making any changes to the national identification document.

He said there were suggestions in the past to remove one’s religion from being stated on the MyKad but it was never implemented.

“Some said that it is not appropriate as it would be against the Constitution since it involves the special rights of the Malays and to differentiate between the Malays and non-Malays.

“This matter could stir up some sensitivities as it touches on other races, and we have to look into it carefully, but at the moment there will not be any changes to the MyKad,” he added.

Senator Nga Hock Cheh was recently reported as suggesting in the Dewan Negara that the government drop faith from Mykad to create more unity in the country.

For Muslim citizens, “Islam” is printed on the card below the picture of the holder.

— Bernama Well-read companions: Muhyiddin showing a copy of ‘Bersatu Mulanya Disini... Johor Baru’ at its launch in Johor Baru. Looking on is Bersatu Johor secretary and the state’s mentri besar Datuk Dr Sahruddin Jamal (left) and Bersatu Johor Baru division chief Zais Mohd Akil.