GEORGE TOWN: Gerakan has called on the Federal Government to immediately fulfil its promises of reforms to restore the people's confidence and respect for Barisan Nasional.

Its acting president, Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon, said BN and its component parties must also review and revive policies to enable them to continue to be relevant, especially to the younger generation.

"Concrete results in the reforms promised would restore the people's confidence and respect for institutions such as the judiciary, the executive, the civil service and police."

In a statement here yesterday, Koh said BN's defeat in the Permatang Pauh by-election on Tuesday was another wake-up call for the coalition.

Koh, who is also state BN chairman, cited the public transport system as well as affordable and better housing as examples of areas which needed the urgent attention of the BN government.
"The government must also find ways to enhance the opportunities for the people to increase their income, as well as help reduce the cost of living and doing business.

"While the by-election result shows the preference of the Permatang Pauh voters, it may well be reflective of the overall perception and feelings of Malaysians elsewhere."

Koh said BN must acknowledge and address the people's dissatisfaction with the establishment for what has been perceived as a lack of commitment, communication and concrete results, especially in the past two years.

On Gerakan's role, he said the party would proceed with its own internal reforms while pushing for major reforms within BN and the Federal Government.

He said Gerakan would continue to be a voice for the people within and outside BN. "We will also push for viable solutions."