Dr Kelvin Yii Lee Wuen says Pakatan Harapan’s manifesto will be its ‘bible’ should it return to power after Malaysia’s 15th General Election on Nov 19.
The DAP Bandar Kuching incumbent also said DAP needs to be more ‘personal’ to reach the rural voters in Sarawak.
Tun Dr Mahatir Mohamad had claimed in July 2018, two months after Pakatan’s historic victory in GE14, that the manifesto was not a bible but merely a guide on how to do things. He also said Pakatan “made too many promises” as it did not expect to win the elections.
“What Tun M said was in his personal capacity. Pakatan Harapan has always stood behind the manifesto,” said Dr Yii, who revealed the coalition would unveil its manifesto for GE15 on Wednesday.
“DAP stalwart Lim Kit Siang even called Mahathir to express disappointment over the statements.
“Of course, some changes may take longer than others.”
He added that Pakatan Harapan leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has emphasised that if the coalition receives the mandate to form the government, it should be held accountable based on the party’s manifesto.
“It will be our offering for the people of Malaysia, and we want to show we are open and transparent and are willing to be held accountable because this is the new politics.”
Dr Yii said there is no stigma around Dr Mahathir’s statements as he is no longer part of the coalition.
PKR’s Adam Adli Abd Halim concurred with Dr Yii and added: “It is clear that whatever we do, we are answerable to the people.
“We need to explain to them the timeline to make changes.
“One reason why we are not working with Mahathir’s Gerakan Tanah Air is that he does not respect the manifesto,” said Adli, who is set to contest the Hang Tuah Jaya seat.
Separately, Dr Yii said DAP has worked hard to connect with those in the interior of Sarawak but does not have the resources of Barisan National that influenced what local television stations broadcast and what appeared in the newspapers.
“We need to do more personal campaigns to educate and empower the people in the rural areas.
“They must know they have a right to development, a right to vote for whom they want and not be punished.
“It is the role of the government to bring development, and the people should not be thankful because it is their right.
Meanwhile, Dr Yi said he was confident of retaining the Bandar Kuching seat but cautioned there was no such thing as a ‘safe seat’.
“On my part, I will continue to work hard to convince the people I deserve their vote based on my track record and service to the constituency as well as my track record in Parliament,” said the 36-year-old.
“I feel we need to address issues. I trust their judgment, and we can work together to bring change to Kuching, Sarawak and Malaysia.”
Dr Yii and Adam were joined by Amanah Youth chief Mohd Hasbie Muda, Amanah Youth women’s chief Nurthaqaffah Nordin and Pahang’s Harapan Youth leader Young Syefura Othman to unveil the coalition’s five offers to youths:
* To get rid of the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 and hand power back to the students and lecturers.
* Affordable student travel by fixing the cost of flight tickets to and from Sabah and Sarawak at RM199.
* Affordable housing for students who want to buy or rent property at suitable locations.
* Act on climate change to protect the year.
* Promote entrepreneurial growth.
The PH manifesto would also implement the national Higher Education Fund Corporation’s (PTPTN) specially-targeted debt cancellation program for the poor and B40 households.
Besides Dr Yii and Adam, Young Syefura will also contest a Parliamentary seat.
She will stand in Bentong against former MCA president Tan Sri Liow Tiong Lai.
Mohd Hasbie and Nurthaqaffah said they are waiting for Amanah to finalise its list of candidates.
