IDEAS: Perikatan Nasional government should continue Pakatan Harapan reform agenda
Kuala Lumpur, 15 May 2020 – IDEAS has published the Final Report of the Pakatan Harapan Government’s Performance”, authored by IDEAS Researchers, Faiz Zaidi and Jasmine Redzuan. The report is the final one in a series of report cards on Pakatan Harapan government’s performance throughout their 21 months in power.
In summarising PH’s performance during their administration, it must first be acknowledged that most promises in the Buku Harapan are meant to be fulfilled within one term in government, that is over the span of 5 years. Thus, our analysis takes into account that their term in office was cut short due to the change in government when the then former Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir resigned on 24th February 2020, triggering a realignment of political parties that resulted in the Perikatan Nasional coalition gaining power.
During their 21 months in power, some major progress was made by PH in delivering its manifesto promises. However, there were also a number of highly ambitious targets which proved to be difficult to reach and although PH produced a comprehensive strategy to achieve these promises, it was not likely to be delivered and implemented in the short time they were in power. In some areas, it is clear that PH lacked the political will needed to deliver the reform they had promised.
The authors believe that the new Perikatan Nasional government must continue with the reform agenda that has been put in place by the PH government. Reforms particularly in strengthening institutions, political financing and anti-corruption must be prioritised to ensure Malaysia remains on track towards becoming a nation that upholds integrity, good governance and independent institutions. The Perikatan Nasional government must also prioritise the rebuilding of trust, both towards government and between Malaysians.
Prior to the release of this Projek Pantau Final Report, we conducted a webinar to discuss the overall achievement, failure and work in progress of the Pakatan Harapan government since 9 May 2018. The webinar also discussed the policy initiatives that should be put forward by the Perikatan Nasional government as well as larger questions on Malaysia’s political culture.
Links to the series of Projek Pantau reports for further reading:
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For media enquiry, please contact Faiz Zaidi, IDEAS Research Executive, at faizzaidi@ideas.org.my.
The recording of the webinar can be watched below.
