LETTER | Can you do these for us, Pakatan Harapan?

LETTER | The new prime minister, Ismail Sabri Yaakob, was sworn in, Umno is elated now, and Pakatan Harapan has joined hands with the new government to work towards fostering goodwill, combatting Covid-19 and ensuring the forging of a big, happy “Keluarga Malaysia”.

We must congratulate Ismail Sabri and Harapan leaders for this idea to work together as one big family.

It is important to work together to beat the pandemic and assure the rakyat they are now in safe hands.

With the unveiling of the new cabinet line-up, I am more confident that Keluarga Malaysia has nothing more to worry about their safety and well-being.

So, now I am looking a little further ahead to the 15th general election (GE15).

This piece is especially penned for Harapan leaders.

Based on the observation of the dynamics of Harapan ever since the party was formed, the various component parties that came together under the Harapan banner seemed like a marriage of convenience.

The rakyat witnessed the truth of that perception within the last two years. They saw these component parties park themselves under one big banner but maintaining individual party-based goals and aspirations.

The overt display of animosity and distrust, and the jostling for power with other component parties are not helpful.

Instead, Harapan should devise mature moves and identify the various strengths that each party could bring to the coalition.

Then, it should embark on its mission to win the support of the electorate. Can we witness such maturity among its leaders?

Furthermore, Harapan must not invite defectors back into its fold. They absconded on their own volition to grab monetary gains but not before stabbing the rakyat in the back. Their treachery is unforgivable and unforgettable.

I would like to put in a humble request to the elders in Harapan: please step down and allow the younger, dynamic, and highly capable men and women to take charge. Be their mentors, guide them, support them. Do not overshadow them.

We need fresh ideas and approaches to nation-building. I am confident that the few young men and women already in leadership roles are perfect examples of what the young can do for the nation.

It is important for Harapan to come up with a manifesto that meets the aspirations of the people. You have ample time to put together a politically, socially, and economically viable manifesto to win the support of the rakyat.

Make sure you have every intention to fulfil what you have spelled out in the manifesto. Moreover, you must listen to the people and heed their demands.

Please put together a research team, if you don’t have one, and conduct a survey to find out what the people wish for.

Lastly, I hope for a unity government that unites brain, valour, and patriotism - regardless of gender and class.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.