KUALA LUMPUR: Former health minister Khairy Jamaluddin said Pakatan Harapan (PH) should avoid using the unity government as a shield against public discontent, particularly given its slow pace in fulfilling manifestos and commitments.
In the Keluar Sekejap podcast, Khairy and former Umno information chief Shahril Hamdan pointed out that PH had failed to meet the expectations set by its 15th General Election (GE15) manifesto.
Even though the master plans introduced by the unity government, such as the Madani economy, the National Energy Transition Roadmap and the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 are lauded, tangible results from such government initiatives were yet to be felt due to the inherently long-term nature of all the plans.
"Hence, the first year can be characterised as a performative but underperforming display by the government," said Khairy.
He also highlighted the pledges made by PH in its manifesto that were not yet fulfilled by the unity government.
He said that in its 14th general election (GE14) manifesto, PH had pledged that the prime minister would not hold other ministerial posts, especially that of the finance minister.
"Now, Rafizi is saying that Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is the best man for the finance minister position. It has become ridiculous," he said.
"You are doing the same thing you attacked Barisan Nasional (BN) for. The only difference is he is Anwar, not Najib," he added.
Khairy said a second finance minister should be appointed to serve as a check and balance.
He also pointed out other pledges that were not fulfilled by the unity government.
"Take for example the Sedition Act, they promised that they want to abolish it… and then they said they would amend it.
"But then, last week the Bersatu information chief was accused under the Sedition Act."
Shahril also pointed out the reappointment of Tan Sri Azam Baki as the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner.
This is despite both BN and PH pledged in their GE15 manifestos that a parliamentary select committee (PSC) would vet appointments for such posts.
"So, the excuse is not only weak but also contradicts the reality of what was promised on paper."