Back-to-back losses show people disillusioned, fed up with PH govt – Abd Karim

SIBU: Pakatan Harapan’s ( PH) two back- to- back losses in byelections are a clear indication that the people are disillusioned and fed up with the new government’s performance.

Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah stated this to The Borneo Post yesterday when asked to comment on Barisan Nasional’s ( BN) success in wresting the Semenyih state seat in Selangor on Saturday.

In Jan 26 this year, BN also won the Cameron Highlands parliamentary seat.

To this, Abdul Karim, who is Asajaya assemblyman, said: “Only 10 months after winning the hearts of Malaysians through GE14 (14th general election), PH has suffered two back- to- back by- election defeats in Cameron Highlands and Semenyih.

“That is a clear indication that the rakyat are disillusioned and fed up with the performance of the new government.”

He added: “There are many factors that led to that... among others, the Malays feel that the new government is not looking after the interest of the Malays; the promises of PH in their manifesto and 100 days after winning are not fulfilled; the performances of ministers and leaders in the new PH government are much to be desired; rising cost of living and necessities despite assurances that SST (Sales and Service Tax) would bring down the cost of goods; PH leaders lying about their academic qualifications; reduction in BR1M (now known as Bantuan Sara Hidup) handout; and so on.

He noted PH is back-peddling and not able to address the weakening economy.

“They won GE14 by playing up 1MDB and (former prime minister Datuk Seri) Najib’s ( Tun Razak) excesses. Somehow, rakyat are beginning to realise that their life is no better even with Najib’s removal,” he said.