Pakatan Harapan Leaders Accused of Failing to Deliver on Reforms
Lack of Commitment to Reforms
Lawyer-activist Siti Kasim has accused former and current Pakatan Harapan (PH) parliamentarians of not doing enough to bring about reforms now that they are in power. Siti labelled them as "cowards" and "useless" when speaking at a national symposium where senator Mujahid Yusof Rawa of Amanah and former MPs Kasthuri Patto (DAP), Charles Santiago (DAP) and Sivarasa Rasiah (PKR) served as panellists.
Unfulfilled Promises
Siti said former and current PH parliamentarians need to collectively push for reforms that were promised in the coalition’s manifesto for previous general elections. She highlighted the lack of progress on local council elections, which were promised many years ago, and the death penalty, which is still enforced despite being promised to be abolished.
Accusations Unchallenged
None of the panellists defended themselves from her accusation. Siti emphasized that the MPs need to come out and collectively push for these reforms to be implemented. Her comments were met with silence from the panellists.
Activists’ Concerns
Several other activists have expressed dismay that certain PH leaders have become less vocal and failed to demonstrate a commitment to reforms. In June, former Bersih chief Thomas Fann said that PH’s failure to fulfil reform pledges bandied about for years would see people losing faith and trust in Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s leadership and in the coalition, which he leads as chairman.
Bersih’s Assessment
Separately, Bersih also gave the government an "F" grade in June, saying it had failed to fulfil promises to introduce political finance laws and impose term limits on the prime minister’s tenure in office.
Unity Government Excuse
PH leaders previously said they are not in a position to deliver on all its election pledges as the coalition does not have sole charge of Putrajaya, being part of the unity government that includes other coalitions, such as Barisan Nasional (BN).
Conclusion
Siti Kasim’s comments highlight the growing frustration among activists and citizens about the lack of progress on reforms promised by PH. The coalition’s failure to deliver on its election pledges has led to a loss of faith and trust in its leadership. It is essential for PH leaders to take concrete steps to address these concerns and demonstrate a commitment to reforms.
FAQs
Q: What did Siti Kasim accuse PH leaders of?
A: Siti Kasim accused PH leaders of being "cowards" and "useless" for failing to deliver on reforms promised in the coalition’s manifesto.
Q: What reforms did Siti Kasim highlight as unfulfilled?
A: Siti Kasim highlighted the lack of progress on local council elections and the death penalty, which is still enforced despite being promised to be abolished.
Q: What did Bersih say about the government’s performance?
A: Bersih gave the government an "F" grade, saying it had failed to fulfil promises to introduce political finance laws and impose term limits on the prime minister’s tenure in office.