ALOR STAR: Pakatan Harapan government in Kedah will have their work cut out for them to fulfill all 10 the promises made in the 14th General Election (GE14) manifesto, especially on water issues.
Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) political analyst Md Shukri Shuib said Kedahans have high hopes for the new government under the leadership of Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir.
He said the people of Kedah considered Mukhriz as their hero and with that, the state government will have to ensure that their Key Performance Index (KPI) is at par with people's expectation.
“The willingness of the majority Kedahans to change to a new government is a sign that the people is ready to accept PH and they have high hopes that things will improve.
“If their work is sub par, it will create a doubt among the people on the new government and leadership,” he said.
Under the 10 Kedah PH manifesto, the pact had promised among others to solve water supply issue, to provide funeral aid for all races; re-evaluate politician's involvment in Kedah Football Association (KFA) and to set up fund for chronic diseases and dialysis centre.
Md Shukri said the water issues should be made top priority as it is a critical problem that required immediate resolution.
He said the new government could also proceed with some of the commitments of the previous government to ensure continuity of some of the projects.
"The state government must focus on the needs of the Kedah people and not implement things out of vendetta or revenge against the previous leadership.
“I think the process towards it (implementing the 10 promises) has begun but what is important is getting the state civil servants to work together with the new government.
“In the context of the new leadership, I don't think the new state government will be vengeful.” he said.
Apart from evaluating politician's involvement in KFA, the new government should also consider appointing professionals instead of politicians to helm state government-link companies.
Mohd Shukri added drastic changes were also needed in the Village Community Development and Welfare (JKKK) institution.
“The people are waiting to see how the restructuring of leaders at the grassroots level will be done and this will definitely bring drastic changes.
"The new leaders will have to go down to the ground and explain to the people the new government’s direction.” he said.