PAS VETERAN DEFENDS PH GOVT

People should not accuse PH of cheating as there is nothing extraordinary about govt not fulfilling its promises, says Mustafa

VETERAN Pas leader Datuk Mustafa Ali has defended Pakatan Harapan against criticisms that it failed to fulfil its 10 promises within 100 days of being elected into office.

In an interview with Malaysiakini, the Pas advisory board chairman said Malaysians should not accuse the government of “cheating” over the matter, which he described as “nothing extraordinary”.

“Not all promises can be kept all the time. There could be promises made based on a previous situation. When one comes to power, the situation might change.

“I see some ministers are serious in carrying out their duties. Certain things take time. There are considerations about costs and the amendment of laws.

“We cannot punish (the government). It’s not about cheating. In fact, they have admitted that they cannot deliver some pledges in 100 days.

“This is nothing extraordinary,” the former Pas secretary-general said in Kuala Terengganu on Tuesday.

Mustafa was quoted as saying that the government was trying its best to keep its promises by abolishing the Goods and Services Tax (GST).

The government also promised to introduce a national healthcare assistance initiative, abolish Felda settlers’ debts, postpone repayment to the National Higher Education Fund Corporation for those earning below RM4,000, and standardise and increase the minimum wage.

Mustafa said the people could only accuse the government of cheating if it failed to implement measures that it was capable of doing.

“They can be considered as cheating when there is something they can do but they don’t do it. For instance, they have promised to resolve the oil royalty issue.

“God willing, I hope measures can be implemented for Kelantan and Terengganu soon.”

He welcomed the smooth transition of power following the 14th General Election, calling it a positive development.

“As decided by PH, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has become the prime minister. As an experienced politician, he has his own administration strategies.

“Even the cabinet appointments... he did not do them all at one go, but in stages. That is his strategy based on certain needs.”